London’s motorists were hit with more than 9.4 million Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) in the past year, according to new figures from London Councils. The data shows a sharp 13.5% rise in
fines issued across the capital compared with 2023–24, reflecting tougher enforcement of parking, bus lane, and moving traffic regulations.
The total number of PCNs handed out by London boroughs, Transport for London (TfL), and the London Lorry Control Scheme reached 9,462,185 in 2024–25. The biggest jump came from bus lane offences, up 16.8%, followed closely by parking violations, which climbed 13.4%, and moving traffic contraventions, which rose 13.3%.
Appeals to the London Tribunals, which handles independent reviews of disputed fines, also saw a notable increase. Motorists lodged 47,935 appeals—up 13.6% from the previous year. However, the proportion of successful appeals fell from 54.9% in 2023–24 to 49.4% this year, suggesting councils have improved how they assess and evidence fines before issuing them.
Despite the millions of PCNs issued, appeals remain relatively rare—accounting for just 0.45% of all fines. Officials say this reflects greater accuracy and fairness in the enforcement process.
Drivers who believe they’ve been unfairly fined can still appeal. After challenging a PCN with the issuing authority, they may take their case to the London Tribunals, where independent adjudicators ensure impartial decisions on behalf of London’s local authorities.
All income from PCNs, the report notes, is reinvested into essential transport and parking services, with any surplus funding ringfenced for community transport projects—including the popular Freedom Pass for older and disabled Londoners.
Officials emphasise that enforcement is about more than revenue—it’s about safety, fairness, and cleaner streets.
Beyond penalising illegal parking or unsafe driving, traffic management and parking enforcement are key to maintaining road safety, accessibility, and cleaner air across the capital—benefiting pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and local communities alike. Photo by Arriva436, Wikimedia commons.