Drivers warned 'you have 14 days' after they 'misunderstood' parking rule
Drivers risk spending millions on parking fines as money-grabbing hotspot streets rise in the UK. Motorists were fined £1.2million on one street in London, new data and research from Select Car Leasing has revealed, in a stark warning.
Queensway in Westminster, central London, was named as the worst street for parking fines across the UK. According to the study, over 9,300 Penalty Charge Notices were issued on this street alone in just one year totalling £1.2million worth of fines.
Drivers typically have 28 days to pay the charge, with potential reductions for early settlement within 14 days. You must make an informal challenge within 28 days of the Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) being issued.
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If you challenge a PCN within 14 days of the issue date and your challenge is rejected, you can still pay the discounted rate if your challenge is unsuccessful. Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing, said: "Walking back to your car and seeing that dreaded black and yellow packet stuck to your windscreen is enough to make your heart sink, particularly if you've misunderstood the rules rather than chanced your arm.
"Queensway is a major route running through one of London's most densely populated and tourist-heavy areas, surrounded by shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. With multiple double yellow lines and loading bays in the area, it's easy for motorists to get caught out by parking restrictions."
Birmingham, Alum Rock Way tops the list with over 6,600 fines issued in one year, totalling £465,330 worth of fines. Mr Conway added: "With enforcement efforts intensifying, drivers are urged to double-check parking signs and look up their parking options ahead of time.
“Check council websites or use mobile apps to find available spaces and avoid parking in restricted areas, even if it seems convenient."
"In many of these streets, the sheer volume of traffic and the limited parking spaces create a high-risk environment for drivers. Being more mindful of parking rules can help avoid hefty fines," Conway explained.