A driver who had racked up almost £25,000 in parking fines was one of three who had their vehicles seized last week.

Haringey Borough Council used new powers for the first time to impound vehicles with more than three parking fines, and sell or scrap them to claw back money owed in parking fines.

The driver, who had 153 parking fines totalling £24,962, faces losing his vehicle if he does not pay.

Cllr John Bevan, Haringey Council’s cabinet member for environment, said: “It’s appalling that certain drivers think they can park wherever they please in Haringey whenever they like - and continually dodge paying for their misdemeanour.

“Parking restrictions are designed to keep traffic moving and make life easier for all motorists. We are determined to pursue drivers who repeatedly flout the law.

“The message is clear, if you continually disregard parking restriction in Haringey, you risk waving goodbye to your vehicle and being made to pay back fines, however large they get.”

Haringey Council is one of two implementing new powers under the London Local Authority Act, which allows for the cars of persistent fine dodgers to be removed immediately regardless of where they are parked.

Owners of vehicles will first be sent warning letters and offered the chance to pay the fines, but those who fail to respond face losing their car.

The council says it will pursue those who owe it money to recover any remaining debt, using bailiffs where necessary.