Parking fines could surge 75% as DFT refuses to rule out a growing number of charges outside London

Drivers face up to 75% of parking fines, which will make them more harsh than shoplifters.

Ministers acknowledged that in a major blow to millions of tough motorists, they were reviewing the caps on tickets issued by City Halls in England and Wales.

Last night, the Department of Transport (DFT) refused to exclude local authorities from London to increase the fine from £70 to £120. The move was supported by the parking industry and the cash shortage board.

The Conservatives accused Labor of declaring war on the drivers, while activists were concerned about stitching on the “closed door” to allow the council to balance books on the driver’s back.

“The Labour war against motorists continues,” said Kevin Hollinrake, a spokesman for the Conservative Local Government.

“The Labor government has been caught by the Red Hands in an attempt to crack down on parking fees for millions of motorists, with the fines greater than those of some shoppers. Facing our workers, this is the latest slap, and they’ve already felt pinched due to Rachel Reeves’ job tax.

“We have exposed Labour’s attempt to sneak through the back door and will fight the government to protect the driver every step.”

“Drivers have become the first choice for local authorities to get more money: environmental fees, workplace parking taxes, congestion fees, resident parking permit fees and fines. Now, we have a crazy situation where parking fines can outweigh the fines for shoplifting [£90 for lower-level offenders]criminal damage [£90] Or drunk and disorderly [£90].

“Punishment needs to be appropriate for crime, not the financial needs of the Council. That’s why AA and drivers need a say in the process, rather than the comfortable fixed arrangement of “stakeholders in the parking space” to create rules.

Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, added: “Risk is that the cash-strapped council treats fines as a way to help balance books, which is unfair and may be illegal.” Currently, parking tickets issued by the council are priced outside of London at £60 or £70, depending on the penalty category. Most councils will pay less if they pay quickly.

But the Local Government Association (LGA), which represents the Council and industry body of the British Parking Association (BPA), has submitted evidence to DFT, urging officials to approve the increase.

LGA had previously suggested it should be up to £122 (also supported by BPA) to align it with inflation, as it has been over a decade. This would be a rate hike of up to 75%. DFT refused to rule this out last night.

Last night, the Ministry of Transport (DFT) refused to exclude local authorities from London to increase fines from £70 to £120

Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood admitted in his letter of parliament this week that the government is “scrutinizing” the upper limit of parliament outside London, which has a cap of £110 or £160.

Councils in England and Wales have earned record numbers from parking fines in recent years. In 2023/24, they jointly paid more than £1 billion in profits, meaning that up to 75% of profits could add hundreds of millions of pounds to their vaults.

“We have been working with the LGA to get the attention of the minister, outside of London,” BPA said.

The fine notice is too low and has remained unchanged for more than 15 years. They are no longer suitable for deterrence purposes. ”

A DFT spokesman said: “No decision was made.”