Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed plans to increase the penalty charge for road contraventions on the UK capital’s red routes from £130 to £160.
However, the charge will still be reduced by 50% if paid within 14 days and increased by 50% if paid after 28 days.
Penalty charge notices (PCNs) are issued to drivers who fail to follow the rules on London’s network of red routes, which make up 5% of roads but carry 30% of the capital’s traffic.
Overall, there has been a 26% increase in the number of PCNs issued for parking, loading, bus lane and moving traffic offences between 2016 and 2019, according to TfL data.
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.
Managed by TfL, red routes are designed to allow traffic to move safely and efficiently along some of the busiest roads in London. Stopping is generally prohibited, outside of designated locations and times marked by signs.
The cost of a PCN for contraventions on the red route network has not increased for more than 10 years. The last increase was in April 2011 when it rose from £120 to £130.
The latest increase to £160 brings the charges in line with penalties for non-payment of the Congestion Charge and the Ultra-Low Emission Zone, which are also currently set at £160.
According to TfL, 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.
Siwan Hayward, TfL’s director of compliance, policing, operations and security, said: “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.”
