Fewer than one in five councils are making a surplus income through traffic enforcement, with town halls being ‘hindered’ by central interventions.

A survey of 71 local authorities by LGiU has found many are frustrated with the negative characterisation of traffic enforcement being painted by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).

Central government interventions are hampering the ability of councils to fulfil their legal enforcement duties, with greater local freedoms needed to support traffic regulation - according to the think tank.

Public disapproval is the most significant issue facing councils enforcing traffic regulations - research undertaken in partnership with SEA suggests – with two thirds of respondents stating this was a local problem.

Some 40% of respondents said they thought identification of law-breakers was also a problem. Responding to the findings, the LGiU said councils needed stronger powers to identify and reprimand offenders.

Councils were urged to boost regional support for their traffic enforcement role and make the case for policies that promoted neighbourhood safety, greater mobility and thriving local economies.

Chief executive of LGiU, Dr Jonathan Carr-West, said: ‘No local authority should use their statutory powers to plug gaps in budgets but neither should they neglect their role in assuring good traffic management, safety and good air quality in our towns and cities.

‘What hinders this important function is when central government intervenes in locally decided issues. We would ask that Whitehall back off and allow local government to do what it has an elected mandate to do.’

Responding to the figures, local government minister, Brandon Lewis, said: 'The law is clear. Parking is not a tax or cash cow for local councils. This Government is reining in over-zealous parking enforcement and unfair parking practices, with the levels of parking penalty charges being kept under review.

'Good and affordable parking provision can play an important role in rejuvenating high streets and town centres. Making it easier to park helps support local shops, local jobs and tourism by increasing the number of people walking past.'