Overview

• The Department for Transport has confirmed it is reviewing the cap on parking fines for councils outside London, which has been static for over 15 years.
• Proposals from the Local Government Association and British Parking Association suggest raising the cap to £122 to reflect inflation and strengthen deterrence.
• Critics, including motoring groups and opposition MPs, argue that such increases could unfairly burden drivers and prioritize revenue generation over enforcement.
• If implemented, the proposed hike could see parking fines exceed penalties for offences like shoplifting, criminal damage, and drunk and disorderly conduct, which are capped at £90.
• Councils in England and Wales collected over £1 billion in parking fine profits in 2023/24, raising concerns that higher fines might be used to offset local budget shortfalls.