Drivers from abroad rack up more than £1m in parking fines in Westminster, council says.
Westminster City Council has released its annual ‘top ten’ figures which reveal the most prolific parking offenders from across the globe in 2016/17.
It revealed French motorists are the most common parking offenders, clocking up a total of £356,000 in fines. £111,570 of this is just from 2017.
Qatar (£191,105) and the United Arab Emirates (£116,030) are in second and third place respectively.
Romania is in fourth place with nationals owing the council £114,235, and Germany comes in at fifth with £103,375 worth of fines.
The council is currently in the early stages of trialling a process of obtaining a judgement in the UK against foreign persistent evaders, with the potential to transfer proceedings abroad.
It is also calling on the Government to help establish a system of international co-operation to allow local authorities to trace foreign motorists.
‘We gladly welcome visitors from abroad who wish to visit our iconic roads and landmarks,’ said Cllr Danny Chalkley, cabinet member for city highways.
‘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.’
