A council in north-west London has announced that its newly launched towing initiative aimed at reducing illegal parking and repeated offenders has resulted in “cleaner and safer” roadways.

Since the policy’s implementation on 7 October, Harrow Council reported having towed 36 vehicles to its new facility.

Motorists whose cars are towed must pay an extra £280 in addition to the initial Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) to reclaim their vehicles, and failure to settle this amount could lead to the revocation of their parking permit.

As of 20 October, council statistics indicated that 23 individuals had paid the required amount to get their cars back.

The council emphasized that it is focusing on vehicles that may otherwise evade enforcement, contributing to streets appearing “disorderly, unsafe, and more challenging to navigate.”

As part of the program, drivers will incur an additional £55 fee each day if they do not retrieve their vehicles within 24 hours.

They must also provide their personal information to allow the council to pursue any outstanding fines.

PCNs typically begin at £90 but can reach up to £160, depending on the violation, with the possibility of a 50% reduction if paid within 14 or 21 days.

David Ashton, the cabinet minister for finance and highways at Harrow Council, stated: “Like our residents, we’ve had enough of thoughtless parking. It is unjust to those who require a space and creates unsafe and unkempt streets.

“From now on, ignoring a PCN could mean losing your vehicle.”