A local authority has taken a strong stance against motorists breaking road rules, vowing that they will have zero tolerance for “selfish drivers”.
The warning from Bedford Borough Council comes after one driver received more than 100 fines for illegal parking.
A single motorist was slapped with 102 penalty charge notices for parking offences between January and September last year.
In total, the rule-breaking driver racked up parking fines worth a staggering £7,140 over the nine-month period.
Bedford Borough Council is one of many local authorities that is signed up to the National Persistent Evader Database.
The UK-wide database allows partners to see data on vehicles that repeatedly avoid paying parking fines and tolls.
The aggregated system also contains data on motorists who consistently allow their vehicles to not have tax, a valid MOT or insurance.
Local councils and enforcement agencies can use the system to easily track persistent offenders and collect unpaid debt.
One driver was slapped with 102 penalty charge notices for illegal parking
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Councillor Nicky Gribble, Portfolio Holder for Environment, emphasised that the council had a “zero-tolerance approach” to those who break parking rules.
The Independent councillor for Renhold and Ravensden highlighted the impact that inconsiderate parking had on all road users.
She said: “Illegal parking causes congestion for other drivers, reduces accessibility for emergency services and pedestrians, and inconveniences residents and businesses.
“I’m sure a lot of people have parked illegally at some point – but doing so 100 times in one year is nothing but selfish.”
The sum of the parking fines for the driver in Bedford was £7,140
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Councillor Gribble explained that enforcement agencies are called in to collect the money if a driver fails to pay a penalty charge notice.
Anyone who repeatedly ignores any fines or warnings from the council is reported to the police.
The Councillor noted that this can often lead to further action as the car or the vehicle owner could be linked to other criminal activities.
When the owner is located, they will find themselves slapped with huge fines and other punishments, despite being able to easily avoid the charge by obeying the law.
Councillor Gribble issued a warning about the extent of Blue Badge fraud
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GETTYCouncillor Gribble sent a final warning to motorists, saying: “Don’t be a selfish driver: Be smart, and park smart.”
The Councillor has consistently called for drivers to follow all parking rules, having called for a crackdown on Blue Badge fraud across Bedford.
She stated that the crime was rarer in Bedford than in other areas, but that the council takes the issue incredibly seriously.
“For those who commit this fraud, they are denying someone who needs that space the access they deserve,” she added.