The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has called for a seasonal amnesty on station parking penalties.

The road safety campaigners say cars left in station car parks overnight might tempt commuters to “chance” the drive home from the train after post-work drinks.

Many stations enforce parking penalties for cars that are left overnight.

Kevin Delaney, IAM head of Road Safety, said: “Drivers can be more tempted to drink over the Christmas period than at any other time of year, and reassuring commuters that their car will not be clamped or fined when they retrieve it the next morning will help avoid risk-taking behaviour.

“An amnesty will allow commuters a chance to get to the station and pay for the next day’s parking before getting a fine. Transport bosses should make it easier to leave the car alone if you have had a drink.”

Delaney added: “It is always important to remember that you may still be over the limit if you’re planning to pick your car up from the station the next day. If you still feel ill or have had a large amount to drink the night before you shouldn’t risk drink driving.”