British drivers call for tougher parking fines to ensure a 'real deterrent' against rulebreakers

British drivers have voiced their support for stronger parking action to be taken against those who flout rules and put road users' safety at risk.

Fresh analysis of data from the Department for Transport's call for evidence into parking rules shows two-thirds of Britons support tackling unsafe and inconsiderate parking.

The call for evidence wanted to hear from drivers and motoring organisations on how to restrict the ability of local authorities to generate surplus funds from driving and parking fines.

More than three-in-five said effective enforcement should be prioritised to tackle poor driving and improve the safety on roads.

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Around a quarter of survey respondents said current penalty levels are too weak to deter repeat offending.

One in three said drivers should be slapped with higher fines, as well as supporting the use of camera enforcement and more wardens.

Almost half (46 per cent) said stricter enforcement would be the most effective way to crack down on motorists breaking the rules.

Across the UK, drivers can usually be slapped with a fine of up to £100, although rules are slightly different in London, where costs are more expensive.

The higher penalty charge notices in London can set drivers back as much as £160 for more serious, Band A contraventions.

These include parking on yellow lines or causing an obstruction, while Band B penalties are handed out for breaking regulations, such as overstaying on a pay-and-display bay.

Alison Tooze, chief policy and engagement officer at the British Parking Association, said the organisation had continually warned that not enough was being done to crack down on parking and traffic rulebreakers.

She noted that the BPA has called for stronger measures to be introduced, especially as weaker deterrents can lead to a rise in abuse and have a negative impact on communities.

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Ms Tooze outlined that the 4,600 responses to the call for evidence showed "clear" support from British motorists to crack down on poor driving and parking.

She continued, saying: "Strong enforcement is not about being punitive - it's about protecting decent drivers and keeping our towns and cities moving.

"We support reforms that bring clarity, fairness and consistency, but it's vital that enforcement retains real deterrent value."

The BPA has warned that more needs to be done to crack down on motorists breaking rules, especially when funding is diverted away from public services.

Almost one-third of local authorities have reported that parking and traffic enforcement operations are working at a deficit because of rising costs and inflation.

Ms Tooze warned that drivers contravening parking rules lead to added congestion and reduced access to parking.

She said: "At the same time, enforcement shortfalls place additional strain on local authority budgets, diverting resources away from essential services or reducing the enforcement capabilities in local communities.

"Strong but fair enforcement benefits everyone. It rewards responsible behaviour, and helps ensure our streets work as they should - for motorists, residents, and communities alike."

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