Local authorities in London, Glasgow and Birmingham are the most likely to issue parking fines, according to new research by insurance company Compare the Market.
Using a Freedom of Information request the insurer found that nine of the top 10 authorities for penalty charge notices (PCNs) issued were in Greater London, with the London Borough of Newham dubbed ‘the parking fine capital’, issuing 239,000 fines worth £10.6m
In Scotland, Glasgow’s Wellington Street was the location with the highest number of PCNs issued. The Scottish western city issued a total of nearly 105,000 parking fines with a total revenue of £5.4m.
David Renard, transport spokesperson for the Local Government Association, said: “Councils have to try and ensure there are spaces available for everyone at all times of the day and we can keep traffic moving, and dangerous obstructions are dealt with.
“With an increase of 10 million cars on the road in the last 20 years this has become increasingly challenging.
“Income raised through on-street parking charges and parking fines is spent on running parking services. Any surplus is spent on essential transport projects, including fixing potholes and tackling congestion.”
According to the study, which covered August 2019 to July 2020, the highest average fine was issued in the London Borough of Haringey at £72.04. Gosport in Hampshire’s fine rate was £66.25 and Country Durham charged £57.93.
The research, based on the responses of 204 councils, found that, on average, a parking fine issued by a council is £37.
Dan Hutson, head of motor at comparethemarket.com, said: “Parking fine revenues are a cash cow for many local authorities. Up and down the country drivers are regularly being caught out by tight parking restrictions.
“With the third lockdown now in place, we would encourage drivers to take extra care and attention when parking up their car to ensure they avoid a parking fine.”
