Motorists in Barnet receive most parking fines, finds Warranty Direct

Drivers in Barnet receive more parking penalties than in any other UK local council area, research from Warranty Direct has found.

The company analysed data from 37 local council areas and found motorists in the London borough racked up more than 547,000 violations over a two-year period.

The research follows an RAC Foundation report which found councils in England have seen their parking fine ‘profits’ rise 32% in the past four years, generating £867 million in total from fines in 2017-18.

London boroughs made up eight of the top 10 areas where parking offences were penalised, while South Norfolk had the least violations, with 401.

The study also found, on average, only 64% of fines across the country were paid, with Camden boasting the lowest percentage at just 32%. In contrast, East Riding of Yorkshire paid the most fines, with 84% paid in full.

Simon Ackers, CEO at Warranty Direct, said: “It’s no surprise many London boroughs are among the worst offenders, as parking in London is notoriously tricky.

“However, it’s interesting to see recent changes made to parking restrictions in both Bristol and Medway have had such a significant impact on the number of fines, in a short timeframe.

“It’s also surprising to find out such a low percentage of fines end up being paid.

“Perhaps when some of the original penalties are reviewed, they are considered too strict for the circumstances, as many motorists contesting them are winning their appeals.”