Motorists across the UK have been angered this week by the news that parking fines may be almost doubled. Cash-strapped councils are urging the Coalition government to allow them to bump up penalties in an attempt to balance their books.

Motoring groups, however, warned the government that local authorities would be able to exploit drivers if the ceiling for fines was lifted. It is feared that councils will use hefty fines simply to claw back money lost in the recent public spending cuts.

It was revealed last month that the Local Government Association is also trying to persuade the government to let them introduce new charges for the use of libraries, car parks, wheelie bins and even burial sites.

Now six councils outside London have apparently asked the government if they can increase their parking fines to the London level (from £70 to £120). According to the councils, the £70 maximum charge is not enough of a deterrent for those who park illegally.

A separate review of parking charges is also expected to recommend putting the maximum fine up in London. While the government sets an upper limit for fines outside London, in recent years councils across the country have vastly increased their fines to reach this ceiling.