TfL set to INCREASE Penalty Charge Notice fine from £130 to £160

Transport for London (TfL) are moving forwards with plans to increase the level of the penalty charge for road contraventions from £130 to £160.

Penalty charge notices (PCNs) are issued to drivers who fail to follow the rules on London's network of red routes. The penalty charge will still be reduced by 50 per cent if paid within 14 days and increased by 50 per cent if paid after 28 days.

According to TfL, there has been an overall 26 per cent increase in the number of PCNs issued for parking, loading, bus lane and moving traffic offences between 2016 and 2019. The penalty charge level increase is being introduced to deter contraventions of the road rules and support TfL's Vision Zero aims to reduce road danger, improve public transport reliability and increase active travel.

TfL say increasing the level of the penalty charge is about improving compliance, not penalising drivers. PCNs can be issued for contraventions such as:    

• Parking illegally in loading bays    

• Blocking yellow box junctions 

• Making a turn where this movement is banned, which creates risk for people walking and cycling  

• Driving or parking in a bus lane    

• Stopping on the red route.

The cost of a PCN for contraventions on the red route network has not increased for more than ten years. The last increase was in April 2011 when it rose from £120 to £130. TfL's increase to £160 is in line with inflation since the last increase.

The increase will also bring the charges in line with the penalties for non-payment of the Congestion Charge and the Ultra-Low Emission Zone, which are also currently set at £160. Any revenue raised through these penalty notices is invested back into London's transport network, which includes investing in its road network to improve safety for all road users.

TfL also recently announced that it intends to make its trial of 24-hour bus lanes permanent, after a trial found that extending bus lane hours on London's busiest roads cut journey times and helped reliability.

Siwan Hayward, TfL's Director of Compliance, Policing, Operations and Security, said:  “We are committed to keeping London moving safely and efficiently, and compliance on the Transport for London Road Network is essential in achieving those aims. 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.”