Motorists in London are set to face higher parking fines as Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has approved a proposal to increase penalty charge notices (PCNs) by £30. The move means drivers caught
violating parking regulations will face steeper financial penalties.
Under the new structure, fines in Band A areas—covering higher-level offences such as obstructing roads—will increase from £130 to £160. In Band B areas, charges will rise from £110 to £140. The changes also extend to bus lane and moving traffic penalties, which will go up from £130 to £160.
The reason behind the increase
The decision follows a request from London Councils, a body representing local authorities, which argues that tougher penalties are needed to deter "anti-social and obstructive parking." Consultations found that 50% of respondents complained about issues like pavement parking, which can create hazardous conditions for pedestrians.
City Hall has emphasized that PCNs play a vital role in ensuring London’s roads remain accessible and safe. The 50% discount for PCNs paid within 14 days will remain in place, meaning offenders can still reduce their fines to £80 if they pay promptly.
Public response and financial impact
While the proposed increase aims to discourage irresponsible parking, nearly half of the 1,600 respondents in the consultation opposed the change due to financial concerns. Critics argue that the higher charges will place an extra burden on motorists already facing significant parking costs in the capital.
London Councils and the mayor’s office have justified the rise by pointing to increasing enforcement costs. A spokesperson for the Mayor of London stated that the number of PCNs issued has grown by 50% over the last 12 years, and that penalty charges need to keep pace with the rising cost of enforcement.
Next steps
The changes will only take effect if the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, does not raise any objections within a month of receiving the proposal. If approved, the increased fines will be rolled out across the capital.
Meanwhile, similar parking charge hikes are occurring across the UK, with councils in various cities—including Lewisham, Barnet, Cardiff, Liverpool, and Bristol—raising parking permit fees and on-street parking costs. Some local councils have introduced steep increases, with Horsham hiking prices by 294% at 12 car parks.
With parking costs and penalties on the rise, motorists are being urged to stay informed about local regulations to avoid unexpected fines. Photo by Andy Potter, Wikimedia commons.