Some will no doubt interpret it as yet another attack on the motorist.

But if there is money to be made from motorists who flagrantly break parking regulations in Oxford, there is every reason to collect it.

It is better for the city council to be seen increasing its income than making cuts to services.

In any case, law-abiding motorists have nothing to fear from the council's clampdown.

The attendants who patrol the car parks seem to be doing a pretty good job already for their employers and, in turn, the city council taxpayers.

They are already collecting more than £1m a year in fines.

But the council believes they could do better - catching more drivers and increasing that figure by at least £50,000.

With the council in such dire financial straits, it is no great surprise that it wants to maximise its income in all directions.

There is no reason why motorists, many of whom come from outside the city, should be exempt.

But we hope we won't see a policy of zero tolerance.

Many attendants have a reputation for being good-natured and sympathetic.

By all means target motorists who cheat, but let's keep a sense of proportion.

A mum struggling with children and shopping, the disabled and other deserving cases should still be given that dose of TLC.