Parking fines and fees to Melbourne's 31 councils topped $118 million over the same time.

In total, the state's 78 councils collected more than $3.7 billion.

Ratepayers Victoria assistant secretary Brenda Hickson said ratepayers would not complain about hefty rates if they were getting value for money.

"In rural and regional areas especially, amalgamation was supposed to provide all kinds of economies, but there's no evidence it's done that," she said.

"Instead, there is evidence more of every dollar is now spent on administration and the cost of bureaucracy, and less is going into road building and road repairs and other infrastructure."

Parking fines are one of the fastest growing sources of council revenue, with some collecting 60 per cent more in two years.

The Australian Retailers Association (Victoria) has called on all councils to rethink whether meters and fees are necessary.

"They are a direct deterrent to people shopping in those areas," executive director Tim Piper said.

"When people have to pay parking fees, and then you add parking fines to it, which seem to be getting steeper and steeper, of course people are going to question whether to shop there."

A Herald Sun investigation has found:

HUME'S fines revenue soared 82 per cent in two years, from $120,000 in 1998-99 to $218,000 last financial year.

HOBSONS Bay had a 70 per cent rise in fines revenue in two years, topping $724,000 last year.

KINGSTON'S fines tally rose 63 per cent in two years, almost reaching $1.43 million last year.

NILLUMBIK also soared 63 per cent, topping $152,000 last year.

MELBOURNE City took $42.6 million in fines and parking fees last year.

PORT Phillip was next highest on $19.8 million for fines and fees, followed by Yarra with $14 million.

A study of annual reports also revealed the staggering annual cost of local government.

Melbourne City Council collected $236 million in revenue last year, including $98 million in rates.

After Melbourne, the biggest rates earners were Greater Geelong ($63 million), Boroondara ($57 million), Yarra Ranges ($47 million) and Mornington Peninsula ($46 million).

Other revenue sources include federal and state government grants, fees and charges and asset sales.

On the parking fine issue, Melbourne Ratepayers Association spokesman Anthony van der Craats said parking controls should "never, never" be seen as a revenue raiser.

City of Melbourne spokeswoman Helen McInerney said 920,000 car trips were made into the city every day, and parking fees and fines ensured parking turnover to maximise access for as many people as possible.

Port Phillip city development director Geoff Oulton said fines and fees were essential to limit parking problems.

"Otherwise, our residents find themselves unable to get a park within cooee of their homes and customers can't get near local businesses," he said.

Hume chief executive Darrell Treloar said its rise in fines reflected the community's call for tougher policing, especially around schools.