Redbridge Council is raking in millions of pounds in profit from parking charges, according to a charity.

Figures from the RAC Foundation show the council had a £3.9million surplus from on and off-street charges and fines in the 2011/12 financial year.

It was up on the previous year’s £3.5m haul and £2.8m in 2009/10.

The council charges between £60 and £110 for parking contraventions, including using restricted bays or parking in resident-only areas.

Many residents also have to pay for permits to park outside their own homes, which can cost more than £100 a year, and the council also runs car parks.

Some businesses have called for a relaxation in charges and fines in shopping areas to encourage more customers.

Tan Dhillon, manager of The Village Bookshop in Woodford Green, campaigned for 30 minutes free parking for customers to boost the row of local businesses.

He said: “Most customers now go to out of town shopping centres or supermarkets because they offer free parking and ease of access.”

Mr Dhillon said cheaper parking could help “save the great British high street from extinction”.

Council parking wardens have come under fire in recent weeks for a series of harsh fines.

Last month, 90-year-old war veteran Reg Wilson was given a ticket for not displaying his disabled badge.

A council spokesman said the fine could not be cancelled because “the same rules apply to everybody”.

Another driver was fined £110 for allegedly parking on a double yellow line in Grange Road, Ilford, for a minute.

Mohammed Butt, said he had pulled over briefly while a van was reversing.

Redbridge Council did not respond to the Recorder’s request for a comment.