Map reveals UK spots where drivers are most at risk of being hit with parking fines – check to see if you’re affected

NEW research has revealed the UK areas where drivers are most at risk of being slapped with hefty parking fines.

Local councils raked in over £1 billion from fees and penalties paid in 2023 to the outrage of pro-motoring campaign groups.

Researchers from Uswitch have now ranked local authority areas by the number of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) they issued last year.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, four of the top five were London boroughs as driving in the capital becomes increasingly regulated.

The borough of Newham came out worst, having handed out more than a quarter of a million tickets.

Lewisham wasn’t far behind, with a whopping 216,673.

And Islington rounded out the top three with just under £191,000.

The only area outside of London to make the list was Brighton and Hove, which saw motorists handed over 160,000 fines in the period.

However, on the other end of the spectrum, the research team also revealed the areas with the lowest rate of PCNs.

Flintshire in Wales saw just 5,431 issued, while it was only 3,844 in nearby Torfaen.

Indeed Wales tied with Hampshire as the lowest risk region, with two entries each in the bottom five.

But it was the latter that claimed the overall crown, with Hart District Council giving out only 3,070 PCNs across the entirety of last year.

If given a fine, drivers could pay as little as £80 for “lower” offences, reduced to £40 if paid within two weeks.

This would cover things like getting back to your motor after your ticket has expired.

However, “higher” offences like parking in restricted areas could carry a charge of up to £130, again reduced to £65 for early payment.

It comes after a traffic warden revealed the “ten-minute rule” that could save you from fine next time you’re caught out.