Almost three quarters (72%) of 32,633 parking fines were appealed successfully, according to an FTA survey.

The fines were received over a 12-month period by 15 companies and appealed by the FTA's PCN Administration Service.

Natalie Chapman, FTA's head of policy for London, said: "The results of the survey show the benefit to members of using our PCN Administration Service. Our knowledge and expertise can help them make huge savings on their expenditure on parking fines, as well as cutting down on administration costs."

The FTA identified high streets as the main hotspot for the issuing of PCNs, with the borough of Bromley topping the list. According to their data, the most frequent reason for a ticket being issued was ‘stopped where prohibited' - parking on a red route or clearway. Almost thirty six % of tickets were issued for this reason, with a further thirty three % handed out for parking or loading where restrictions were in force.

"Loading and unloading is an exemption to restricted street regulations - it's allowed on single or double yellow lines for a maximum of forty minutes. Often PCNs are issued incorrectly because the enforcement officer needs more training and doesn't realise what's permitted." Chapman added.

She continued: "Our PCN Administration Service can advise members when tickets have been issued incorrectly and should be challenged."