Driver Racks Up £18K In Parking Tickets

A persistent parking offender has had their car impounded after racking up £18,000 in unpaid parking fines.

Portsmouth City Council took the action after the driver of the Peugeot 306 incurred 220 parking tickets and failed to pay the fines.

The council was unable to contact the owner so the car was finally clamped and seized from Somerset Road.

Councillor Jason Fazackarley, the local authority's cabinet member for traffic and transportation, said:

"This is an extreme case which is why we have taken the necessary action to seize the vehicle after a blatant disregard by the owner.

`"In addition to seizing the vehicle we will pursue legal action to recover the outstanding debt owned.''

The car was impounded after the council used its parking enforcement powers, which means a car can be seized if the owner fails to pay after just three penalty notices and makes no effort to get in touch.

Vehicles removed by the council can be destroyed if the owner does not make contact and pay outstanding fines along with the removal and storage fees.

Michael Robinson, the council's parking manager said:

"This is an ongoing case, so although the car has been seized we won't give up pursuing the owner until they come forward and the outstanding debt is settled.

"Motorists who ignore traffic regulations are not only a nuisance to other road users, but they can also be a danger.

"It is not fair for the majority of residents or visitors who park respectfully, or who those who contact us once a penalty notice has been issued.

"The amount of fines this motorist ran up shows a lack of respect for all road users, so we used our enforcement powers to take action against this persistent offender.''