Bedford Driving Lessons

The figure, three times higher than the amount raised by speed cameras, triggered accusations that drivers were being milked by local authorities who saw parking control as a cash cow. A total of 265 councils now have the power to control parking in their area and pocket the fines. But according to Government guidance they should not use these powers to bolster their funds. But this has been cast into doubt by detailed research carried out jointly by the Drivers’ Alliance and TaxPayers’ Alliance. Conservative-controlled Kensington and Chelsea council in London made an average of £85 a head in fines last year, although neighbouring Westminster raised a staggering £41,869,000 in total. Even though the amount raised in fines fell by 16 per cent compared to the previous year, the huge sums raised triggered anger among motorists. “Parking enforcement has become a massive money making industry and we are seeing unscrupulous and target driven enforcement of parking laws where the penalties far outweigh the offence. This report shows that some local authorities are treating drivers unfairly and cashing in on parking fines,” said Peter Roberts, chief executive of the Drivers’ Alliance. Jennifer Dunn, Policy Analyst with the Drivers’ Alliance and the Taxpayers’ Alliance, added: “For many councils parking fines have become a lucrative source of income. But while revenues are being made at the cost of the motorist, taxpayers haven’t seen their council tax fall, or their local services improve. Motorists are being treated like cash cows, but the only people that appear to be benefiting are wardens and their bosses.” More