Overview
- Transport officials say they are looking into a council trial and industry evidence before deciding whether to raise parking penalty limits outside London.
- BCP Council tested higher fines last August along a seven‑mile seafront, issuing £160 for serious contraventions and £110 for lower ones with a 50% discount for quick payment.
- The council reported fewer contraventions, safer roads and less congestion during the trial and has asked ministers to let councils adopt the higher levels.
- Parking penalties outside London have been capped at £70 for serious and £50 for lower contraventions since 2008, while London’s top band already reaches £160.
- The Local Government Association backs a review for stronger deterrence, but opposition figures and motoring groups such as the AA call the hike a revenue grab that would hit lower‑income drivers hardest.