Wandsworth is one of a number of London boroughs making "record" parking profits, according to the RAC Foundation.

In 2012-13 the local authority made a profit of £15.89m from parking activities, a spokesman for the motoring research charity said.

Seven of the 10 greatest surpluses were in London - including all the top four - while Wandsworth was the sixth highest.

The largest was £39.7m in Westminster.

Wandsworth Council has defended its parking fines policy by pointing out any profits are pumped back into highway maintenance.

Throughout last year the council carried out a huge pot hole fixing exercise tackling thousands across the borough.

A spokesman for Wandsworth Council said: "Any surplus income from parking must by law be spent on improving highways and other transport-related issues.

"This includes maintaining roads and pavements and also funding the Freedom Pass scheme for older residents, taxicards for disabled people and paying the travel costs of disabled children and those with special needs who need help getting to and from special schools."

However, the government suggested some councils were using fines to unfairly generate income.

A spokeswoman for the Department for Communities and Local Government said: "Parking fines have become an unjust form of arbitrary taxation, corrupting Britain's justice system and fleecing innocent drivers.

"This government is taking action to rein in the town hall parking bullies."

 

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