UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Labour may allow councils to use ANPR cameras to enforce parking, focusing on affluent areas, amid criticism over cuts to major road investment.
As reported by The Telegraph, Labour faces backlash over plans for “spy cameras” in car parks nationwide, sparking concerns of a new crackdown on drivers.
How will councils use ANPR cameras under Labour’s plans?
The Department for Transport has received plans that would allow councils to use number-plate recognition cameras to issue more parking fines.
The plan called for stronger enforcement in “affluent” neighbourhoods and busy locations such as seaside towns and sports venues.
Labour drew backlash for proposals to reduce funding for motorways and major roads, with industry groups warning this could increase traffic jams.
The Conservatives obtained the parking proposals through freedom of information laws after Labour ministers refused to publish them.
According to council and industry insiders, the blueprint suggests giving local authorities the power to use CCTV to monitor off-street parking.
The plan would need legislative approval to allow councils to deploy ANPR cameras at the car parks they control.
The British Parking Association and LGA document also advocates raising parking fine levels.
What did Richard Holden say about Labour’s parking camera plans?
Richard Holden, the shadow transport secretary, stated,
“Labour is desperate to try and hide the most pernicious details of its shameful war on motorists.”
He said,
“From slashing road-improvement funding, hiking road use tolls and now drawing up a snoopers charter of CCTV parking enforcement, it is clear Labour is desperately trying to fill the black hole Rachel Reeves has created by squeezing every penny from drivers.”
Mr Holden added,
“Motorists should not be facing a phalanx of spy parking cameras trying to catch them out at every turn. The last Conservative government banned this, and we will fight Labour on its plans to introduce it every step of the way.”
What did DfT say about parking fine caps and council powers?
A Department for Transport spokesman said, “We have no plans to introduce higher caps for parking fines.”
They stated,
“We are a Government firmly on the side of drivers and we fully expect councils only to use penalty charge notices as a deterrent for law-breaking – not as a way to raise funds.”
The DfT reported that while £27.4bn was allocated for roads under the previous Tory government, only £23bn was spent.
A spokesman stated,
“The Government is firmly on the side of drivers, focusing on making journeys safer, smoother and saving drivers money.”
They added,
“The funding settlement to deliver the roads investment strategy represents an almost £3bn increase on a like-for-like basis over the final funding for 2020-25.”
The government has outlined plans to upgrade motorways and trunk roads worth £ 24.9 billion over the next five years.
What did RHA say about Labour’s planned road investment cuts?
The Road Haulage Association slammed Labour’s plan to cut investment in major roads by nearly 10%.
Richard Smith, the managing director of the RHA, stated that the cut was “likely to hamper the Government’s mission to deliver economic growth.”
He added,
“This lack of prioritising new-roads investment will have long-term impacts on haulage, coach and van businesses, with congestion costing the UK economy more than £30bn a year in delays and lost productivity.”
How will councils’ parking fine proposals affect drivers?
According to officials, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner’s department, which manages council car parks, has no plans to amend the parking law.
Local authorities want permission to deliver penalty notices online rather than through the mail.
In the blueprint, ministers stated,
“Both these changes would deliver significant efficiency savings, with ANPR powers also boosting detection and, ultimately, compliance of those who contravene the rules.”
Under existing rules, local authorities outside London are limited to fines of £50 for minor offences and £70 for more serious violations.
Officials warn that parking fines, which have remained unchanged since 2008, are no longer enough to prevent illegal parking.
According to the plan, fines are increasingly seen as standard parking charges, especially in affluent areas and among owners of high-value vehicles.
The Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said the report submitted by the groups deserved “careful consideration.”
She added,
“The department will be carrying out a broader review of PCN [penalty charge notice] levels nationally in light of the wider research.”
Key facts about parking fines in the UK for vehicles
Parking fines include PCNs from councils, FPNs from police or DVSA, and Parking Charge Notices from private firms.
A 50% discount is offered if payment is made within 14 days. However, fines increase by 50% after 28 days, with the risk of court action or bailiff intervention. Vehicle keepers remain liable, and appeals must be submitted in writing within 14–28 days.