Ten Left-Wing Councils Issue One-Third of Yellow Line Fines

Published: 20 October 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Newly released data has revealed that ten left-leaning councils in England are responsible for issuing a third of all penalty notices for illegal parking on single and double yellow lines. The findings, based on freedom of information requests submitted by the AA to councils across the country, show that a total of 1.6 million penalty charge notices (PCNs) were issued last year for violations involving yellow lines, reflecting ongoing challenges in managing parking and traffic compliance in urban areas. Of these fines, more than half a million were handed out by just ten councils, seven of which are under Labour control.

The Labour-led councils that made the list include major cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, Barnet, Islington, Liverpool, Leicester, and Westminster. In addition to these seven, the remaining three councils are Richmond upon Thames, governed by the Liberal Democrats; Tower Hamlets, controlled by the local Left-wing party Aspire; and Sheffield, which does not have overall control but has a majority of seats held by left-leaning parties. The data illustrate a significant concentration of parking enforcement activity in councils with left-leaning political leadership, although councils of different political affiliations also play a role in issuing fines.

Parking on double yellow lines is prohibited at all times except for specific exemptions, such as when a vehicle occupant holds a Blue Badge. In London, fines for violating yellow line regulations can reach up to £160, while outside the capital, penalties typically range between £70 and £130, depending on local council policies. The issuance of these fines is intended to maintain safety, regulate traffic flow, and ensure access for emergency vehicles and pedestrians, but the sheer volume of PCNs has sparked debate over enforcement practices and fairness.

A survey conducted by the AA, which included responses from nearly 15,000 members, highlighted the most common reasons for parking on yellow lines. These included the need to load or unload goods, which accounted for 43 per cent of cases, making a quick stop for an errand or pick-up at 31 per cent, using a Blue Badge at 27 per cent, and a lack of available parking spaces elsewhere, cited by 18 per cent of respondents. The survey also asked drivers what would discourage them from parking illegally. More than half of respondents, or 52 per cent, indicated that additional parking options would be the most effective deterrent.

A spokesperson from the Local Government Association (LGA) commented on the data, noting that the increase in the number and size of vehicles over recent decades has made it increasingly challenging for councils to manage parking demand effectively. “Councils face a constant balancing act,” the spokesperson said. “They must make sure that people park safely, comply with the rules, and that traffic continues to flow smoothly, particularly in areas where parking space is limited.” The LGA spokesperson added that parking fine levels outside London are set by the national government and have not been reviewed since 2008. They suggested that a review of these levels could help provide councils with updated powers to enforce parking regulations fairly and efficiently while supporting better parking provision where it is needed.

The Department for Transport also weighed in on the issue, emphasising the role of parking enforcement in maintaining road safety and supporting smooth traffic flow. A spokesperson stated that penalty charges are intended to encourage drivers to park correctly rather than to catch them out, adding that the department is carefully considering evidence from the parking sector and will respond in due course. This statement highlights the ongoing dialogue between government agencies and councils regarding the appropriate balance between enforcement and supporting drivers in congested urban areas.

Critics of heavy parking enforcement have long argued that councils sometimes use fines as a revenue-generating tool rather than solely as a means to improve compliance. Although the majority of fines are issued to enforce regulations and maintain public safety, some drivers have expressed frustration at receiving PCNs despite seemingly minor infractions or mitigating circumstances. The concentration of fines among certain councils, particularly those with left-leaning leadership, has added a political dimension to the debate, with some commentators suggesting that enforcement practices may be influenced by local governance priorities.

The AA survey underscores that many drivers park on yellow lines out of necessity rather than disregard for the law. For instance, the need to unload goods or make a short stop can be essential for residents, delivery drivers, and service providers who have limited alternative options. The survey’s findings indicate that improving parking infrastructure, increasing available spaces, and providing clearer guidance for temporary exemptions could reduce the number of PCNs issued and improve compliance voluntarily, rather than relying solely on punitive measures.

Urban centres such as Manchester, Birmingham, and Liverpool have experienced rapid growth in population and vehicle numbers in recent years, placing further pressure on councils to manage parking effectively. Local governments must balance the demands of residents, businesses, commuters, and visitors while maintaining safety standards and minimising congestion. The sheer volume of PCNs issued in these areas reflects the challenge of enforcing rules consistently across a high-density urban environment.

Councils outside London also face challenges related to parking management. In smaller towns and suburban areas, enforcement can vary widely, and residents may have fewer options for legal parking, particularly during peak times. The LGA spokesperson noted that updating fine levels, improving communication about local parking rules, and creating more accessible parking infrastructure could help councils address these challenges while reducing the need for punitive measures.

The political context of parking enforcement cannot be ignored. The prominence of left-leaning councils in issuing PCNs has prompted discussions about whether political ideology affects the strictness or approach of local authorities. However, it is clear that enforcement decisions are influenced by multiple factors, including council resources, staffing levels, traffic patterns, and urban planning constraints. While political affiliation may coincide with higher fines in certain areas, it is only one factor among many that determines how councils manage parking compliance.

Experts in urban planning emphasise that a comprehensive approach is required to manage parking in modern cities. This includes investment in alternative transport options such as public transit, cycling infrastructure, and pedestrian-friendly streets, alongside reasonable parking regulations and effective enforcement. Providing drivers with sufficient options to park legally and safely can reduce reliance on punitive fines and improve overall satisfaction with local governance.

The AA’s data provides valuable insight into enforcement trends and highlights the need for a nuanced approach to parking management. While enforcement is necessary to maintain order, the concentration of fines among a relatively small number of councils suggests that more attention may be needed to ensure that rules are applied consistently and fairly. Councils, government agencies, and transport authorities must work together to create policies that balance public safety, convenience, and fairness while accommodating the growth of urban populations and vehicle use.

In conclusion, the new figures showing that ten left-leaning councils issued a third of yellow line fines illuminate broader issues in parking management, enforcement fairness, and urban planning. The challenge for councils is to maintain compliance and road safety without disproportionately penalising drivers, while also ensuring that enforcement strategies keep pace with modern urban growth. By reviewing fine levels, investing in infrastructure, and improving communication with residents, councils can create a more effective and equitable system that addresses the needs of drivers, residents, and local authorities alike.