Transport for London (TfL) plans to increase the Penalty Charge Notice fee from £130 to £160 – and £65 to £80 for early payment – to ensure greater compliance and therefore improve traffic flow.
The 30% increase in the PCN from 2018 for Red Route and bus lane abuse, Yellow Box offences, banned turns and Congestion Charge non-payment comes after a 12% rise in the number of PCNs issued in the last five years, to 1.5m, showing that the “current deterrent is no longer effective.”
More than a third of all London’s traffic use TfL’s red routes and vehicles that block roads, drive in bus lanes, park incorrectly or make banned turns, not only cause inconvenience to road users, but create hazards, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists.
By keeping these main routes clear, road danger and congestion are reduced, ensuring that London remains an efficient, well-functioning city, says TfL.
TfL reinvests money from the PCNs back into London’s transport network for maintenance, reducing danger on the road and transforming the Capital’s streets into more attractive, accessible and welcoming places, in line with the Mayor’s draft Transport Strategy.
Paul Cowperthwaite, TfL’s General Manager for Road User Charging, said: “We are committed to keeping the Capital moving and by improving compliance we help keep junctions and roads clear, which if blocked cause significant impact to all road users. The overwhelming majority of motorists follow the rules; however we have seen a steady increase in the number of motorists flouting them so it is clear the current Penalty Charge Notice level is not as effective as it once was.”
A consultation opened on Monday (4 September) and will run until 10 November, with any changes potentially implemented in early 2018.
Find out more: Consultation at tfl.gov.uk/penalty-charge
