France, Qatar and the UAE among countries owing over £1million in unpaid central London parking fines

Foreign drivers have racked up more than £1million in unpaid parking fines in central London.

Motorists from France, Qatar, the UAE and Romania are the worst offenders, Westminster City Council said today.

The council has released its “top ten” countries for fines as it works with foreign embassies and organisations to force drivers to pay up.

France tops the table a total of £356,000 in parking fines. The majority of this figure remains unpaid.

Total parking fines

France £356,000

Qatar £191,105

United Arab Emirates £116,030

Romania £114,235

Germany £103,375

Belgium £84,160

Bulgaria £77,585

Saudi Arabia £64,065

Kuwait £55,530

Ireland £54,820

Qatar and the UAE came in second and third place with £191,105 and £116,030 respectively. Their Middle Eastern neighbours Saudi Arabia and Kuwait also feature in the top ten, owing £64,065 and £55,530 respectively.

Switzerland, USA, Italy and Luxembourg have all featured in the table in recent years but have been usurped by Arab nations during 2016/17.

However, Romania climbed the table to fourth place, with its nationals owing £114,235 in fines.

Cllr Danny Chalkley, Cabinet Member for City Highways, said: “We gladly welcome visitors from abroad who wish to visit our iconic roads and landmarks.

“However, drivers who park irresponsibly are a nuisance for our residents and visitors alike. This should be a reminder that a foreign number plate does not give you immunity from the law.

“We are committed to ensuring those who break the rules are forced to pay up.”

The council has called on the government to establish an international system which allows local authorities to trace foreign motorists.