EVERYONE understands that Southampton City Council, like all local authorities, is in need of extra revenue.

The council was frank on this point when it announced its decision to introduce night parking charges into the city in the teeth of opposition from local traders and residents.

Putting aside fears that the costs would drive visitors away and put workers employed in the entertainment and lesiure industry at risk, councillors went ahead with the charges in a bid to help plug a huge hole in council coffers.

But as this paper reports today (page 29), although the scheme has brought in increased revenue, that extra amount runs to only £200,000, small beer when considered against the authority’s total parking revenues of over £9m in the 12 months to July this year.

That figure is reduced even further when the costs of running the scheme are taken into account, accounting for perhaps all of the extra funds brought in.

If this is the case, should the council then consider scrapping the charges altogether?

That would be the brave move. But it is also the most unlikely. Instead, what is more likely is an increase in charges as the authority attempts to finally make the project pay.

That it would have been far better if the scheme were not introduced must be a given.

But, as usual in these circumstances, it would take a bold council leadership to admit their mistakes and go back to the drawing board.