Parking fines set to rise

The highest current fine for illegal parking is £80

London councils are expected to agree on a massive rise in parking fines when they meet on Friday.

If the Association of London Government approves increases in parking penalties it is thought some may go up by as much as 50%.

The highest current fine is set at £80 for illegal parking, but under new plans this could reach £100 on meters and £120 for more serious offences such as parking on a yellow line.

Westminster's parking wardens issue about a million fines a year, although 20,000 appeals are won by drivers.

'Excessive proposals'

Rebecca Reece, from the AA, says it is just another way of hitting car owners in the pocket.

She told BBC London: "We think these proposals are excessive and very unnecessary.

"Now something we would like to see in return for drivers having to pay-out so much money is some more representation by the London boroughs at appeals and if they don't show up, which so often they don't bother to, we would like to see them fined.

"We'd like to see them financially penalised as well."