Drivers in London are set to face bigger fines for breaking rules on the capital's busiest roads from next week.
Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed it will increase the maximum fine on “Red Route” roads from £130 to £160 from January 17 - an increase of 23%.
This Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) covers offences such as blocking yellow box junctions, breaking parking rules, performing illegal turns and driving in bus lanes.
Motorists will still be able to reduce their car fine by 50% if they pay within 14 days - meaning the fine will drop to £80.
If payment is made after 28 days, the PCN rises by 50% which means motorists face paying £240 from next Monday.
“Red Routes” are managed by TfL and make up around 5% of roads in London - but they carry over 30% of traffic.
Signs saying “RED ROUTE” and “no stopping at any time” followed by a list of times will let you know if you’re driving in one of these designated roads.
You’ll also see single and double red lines that are designed to ban all stopping, parking and loading to keep traffic moving.
Transport bosses said increasing fines in “Red Routes” will act as a deterrent for those who fail to follow the rules.
However, president of the AA Edmund King says there is “no justification” for the hike and argued the increase was unfair on drivers.
He continued: “The AA fully accepts the need for fair and effective road traffic enforcement to deter selfish and illegal driving that impedes other road users, reduces the effectiveness of the road network, disrupts business and can lead to increased emissions.
“However, enforcement needs to be fair, proportionate and allow discretion while creating a deterrent. The AA believes that £130 fines are sufficient to provide deterrence.”
Do you think the fine increase for London drivers is fair? Let us know in the comments below.
All money collected from PCNs is “invested back into London’s transport network” and TfL said the increase is “in line with inflation since the last increase”.
PCN fines issued in “Red Route” roads were last hiked in 2011 when they were pushed up from £120 to £130.
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.”
There were around 2.6million cars registered in London in 2020.
Offences that could land you with a PCN in a "Red Route"
Here are some of the driving offences that could see you slapped with a PCN in a "Red Route":
- 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
