Government Considers Raising Parking Fines by 75 Percent for Drivers Across England and Wales in Response to Council Budget Pressures

If you’ve ever grumbled about parking fines, brace yourself—things might be getting a lot worse.

There’s talk of parking penalties going up by as much as 75 percent, which would make those fines even harsher than some punishments for shoplifting.

This possible shake-up has drivers across England and Wales worried about footing an even bigger bill when they get ticketed.

Why Are Parking Fines on the Table for a Big Increase?

The government is reviewing how much local councils outside London can charge for parking fines.

Right now, the maximum fines hover around £60 to £70, depending on the type of violation.

But councils and the parking industry are pushing for these to jump as high as £122 — a hefty 75 percent increase — arguing that fines haven’t been updated for over a decade and no longer keep drivers in check.

Local councils are feeling the pinch financially, and this has fueled their support for higher fines as a way to boost their budgets.

After all, councils in England and Wales made more than £1 billion from parking fines last year alone.

Upping the fines could mean hundreds of millions more in their coffers.

Why Are Drivers So Upset About This Proposal?

Many drivers and campaign groups see this as unfair and heavy-handed.

The Conservatives slammed the Labour government for what they call a “war on motorists,” pointing out that the proposed fines would be steeper than some penalties for criminal offenses like shoplifting or minor vandalism.

It feels like drivers are being used as easy targets to fill council coffers, especially at a time when many people are already struggling with the cost of living.

Kevin Hollinrake, a Conservative spokesperson, said it’s just another way for the government to squeeze working people who are already facing higher taxes and inflation.

What Are Driving Groups Saying About the Proposed Fine Hikes?

Groups like the AA and the RAC Foundation have voiced strong concerns.

Edmund King, AA president, highlighted how drivers have been hit with all sorts of new fees recently — from congestion charges to rising parking permits — and now this potential fine hike feels like overkill.

He stressed that penalties should match the severity of the offense, not the financial needs of local councils.

Steve Gooding from the RAC Foundation also warned that councils might see fines as an easy way to balance their budgets, which could be unfair or even illegal.

He emphasized that the system shouldn’t just be about raising money.

What’s the Government Saying?

Transport minister Lilian Greenwood confirmed the government is reviewing the fine caps outside London but didn’t rule out the possibility of hikes.

However, officials also stressed that no final decisions have been made yet.

The Department for Transport said they are considering input from councils and industry bodies like the British Parking Association, who argue that current fines are outdated and don’t serve as an effective deterrent anymore.

What Could This Mean for Drivers Going Forward?

If the fines do go up, drivers could find themselves paying well over £100 for parking violations, a serious jump from current levels.

For many, this would add even more financial pressure on top of rising costs in other areas of life.

The debate is far from over, and drivers, campaigners, and politicians will all be watching closely to see if these proposed increases actually get the green light.