London motorists face hike in fines

TfL says increasing fines for road contraventions will provide a ‘more effective deterrent’ that leads to increased compliance and reduces road danger, while the RAC has described the increase as ‘eye-watering’.

Penalty charge notices (PCNs) are issued to drivers who fail to follow the rules on London’s network of red routes including parking illegally in loading bays, blocking yellow box junctions and driving or parking in a bus lane.

TfL says there was a 26% increase in the number of PCNs issued for parking, loading, bus lane and moving traffic offences between 2016 and 2019.

On 10 January, TfL announced it is to press ahead with plans to increase the level of the penalty charge for road contraventions from £130 to £160.

TfL says the increase is about deterring motorists from breaking ‘essential rules and safety restrictions’, rather than penalising them.

Siwan Hayward, TfL’s director of compliance, policing, operations and security, said: “We are committed to keeping London moving safely and efficiently.

“Non-compliance impacts London’s air quality, creates safety risks, disrupts traffic and creates congestion for everyone.

“Increasing the penalty charge for contraventions on our road network in line with inflation will provide a more effective deterrent to drivers and improve the safety and reliability of the network.”

The RAC says the new fines are approaching those imposed for ‘serious motoring offences’ such as illegal use of a mobile phone.

Nicholas Lyes, RAC head of roads policy, said: “While most drivers accept the need for enforcement to make roads safer and less congested, this increase in the level of fine is pretty eye-watering and not far off the fine for a serious motoring offence such as illegally using a handheld mobile phone.

“This change also comes after a recent permanent hike in the Congestion Charge and the expansion of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone which means driving in and around central London could well become even more expensive for some of the capital’s beleaguered drivers.”

The increased penalties come into effect from today (17 January).

The penalty charge will still be reduced by 50% if paid within 14 days and increased by 50% if paid after 28 days.