Merton drivers paid £8.6m in parking fines in 2018

Drivers in one borough have had to shell out almost six times more cash in parking fines than those in a neighbouring borough, writes Mattie Brignal.

Motorists in Merton racked up a massive £8.6 million in parking fines in 2018. But Sutton’s road users paid out just £1.5 million.

The same freedom of information request also revealed that Merton boasts the busiest traffic warden in South London.

The unnamed warden issued 4,243 tickets over the year – more than 16 every working day.

Wardens in Sutton issued the fewest penalty charges of any borough – only 29,000, while Merton’s tally was more than 150,000.

Merton council recently approved plans to increase the cost of on-street parking despite a backlash from residents.

Parking costs in Wimbledon town centre will increase to £4.50 an hour, up from £1.20-£2.40.

Raynes Lane and Colliers Wood will be hit with £3 hourly charges.