Drivers face a hike of up to 75 per cent in parking fines which would see them treated more harshly than shoplifters.
In a major blow for millions of hard-pressed motorists, ministers admit they are reviewing the cap on tickets issued by town halls in England and Wales.
And last night the Department for Transport (DfT) refused to rule out increasing fines from £70 to more than £120 for local authorities outside London. The move is backed by the parking industry and cash-strapped councils.
The Tories accused Labour of declaring war on drivers, while campaigners raised fears of a 'behind-closed-doors' stitch-up to allow councils to balance their books off the backs of motorists.
Kevin Hollinrake, the Conservatives' local government spokesman, said: 'Labour's war on motorists continues.
