Overview

• Documents obtained by the Conservatives through a Freedom of Information request outline proposals to permit councils to install automatic number plate recognition cameras for off‑street parking enforcement.
• The blueprint cites a need for greater enforcement in affluent and tourist locations, including seaside towns, and would require new legislation before any rollout.
• Conservative MPs, led by shadow transport secretary Richard Holden, condemned the idea as a war on motorists and vowed to oppose the measures.
• The Department for Transport said it has no plans to raise parking fine caps and described the government as on the side of drivers, while confirming a broader review of penalty charge levels is under consideration.
• Background figures show councils in England and Wales recorded more than £1 billion in net parking income in 2023/24, as industry and local government bodies argue current penalties outside London no longer deter offenders.