London boroughs have approved an increase in parking and traffic penalty charges, marking the first adjustment since 2011. The revised charges will take effect from Monday, 7 April 2025.
Local authorities argue that the update is necessary to ensure Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) continue serving as an effective deterrent, encouraging safer driving and parking practices across the capital.
Why are the charges increasing?
Borough officials emphasize that revenue generated from PCNs cannot be used for general council expenses. Instead, under legal obligations, any net income must be reinvested into local transport and traffic management projects. This includes funding initiatives like the Freedom Pass, which provides free public transport to 1.2 million older and disabled Londoners.
With some PCN levels remaining unchanged for 14 to 18 years, boroughs expressed concern that the penalties were no longer high enough to deter violations. Data shows a 70% rise in PCNs issued over the past decade, climbing from 4.8 million in 2009-10 to 8.3 million in 2023-24.
Additionally, inflation has eroded the real value of penalty charges, while the costs of running parking and traffic management services have significantly increased since 2011.
Decision-making and approval
Following a public consultation, the London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee—which oversees parking, bus lane, and traffic penalties on borough-managed roads—approved the changes.
The increase aligns the highest borough-level PCNs with Transport for London (TfL) charges, which were raised in 2022. The new penalties received the Mayor of London’s approval and faced no objections from the Secretary of State for Transport.
Official statement
Stephen Boon, Chief Operating Officer of London Councils, stated:
“Boroughs have a duty to ensure London’s roads remain safe and accessible for everyone.
“Through using PCNs to manage parking and traffic, boroughs can reduce congestion and incentivise road users to drive and park safely, protect access, crossing and junctions, and increase active travel such as walking and cycling. Boroughs can also improve bus prioritisation, reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality.
“The vast majority of motorists who abide by the rules will be unaffected by these changes. Penalty charges have not changed since 2011 and the evidence clearly showed they needed to be increased to remain as an effective deterrent for the small minority who don’t abide by the rules.
“Any net revenue raised from PCNs is reinvested in transport schemes, including paying for the Freedom Pass providing free public transport for older and disabled Londoners.”
Key Information About PCNs
PCNs are issued only to motorists who violate parking, bus lane, or traffic rules.
They are not a general tax or charge on all drivers.
99.55% of the two billion annual car journeys in London do not result in a penalty.
Drivers who receive a PCN can challenge it and appeal through London Tribunals.
Breakdown of New Charges
Parking penalties
Higher-level penalties will increase by £30, bringing charges in line with TfL’s rates:
Band A: £160 (reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days)
Band B: £140 (reduced to £70 if paid within 14 days)
Lower-level parking penalties will also rise by £30:
Band A: £110 (reduced to £55 if paid within 14 days)
Band B: £90 (reduced to £45 if paid within 14 days)
Bus lane and moving traffic violations
Penalty for bus lane contraventions: £160 (reduced by 50% if paid within 14 days)
Penalty for moving traffic violations: £160 (reduced by 50% if paid within 14 days)
Additional parking fees
Vehicle release from wheel clamp: £100 (previously £70)
Vehicle release from car pound: £280 (previously £200)
Daily storage fee: £55 per day (previously £40 per day)
Vehicle disposal fee: £100 (previously £70)
The updated charges aim to maintain fairness and efficiency in London’s traffic enforcement system while supporting crucial transport services. Photo by Au Morandarte from London, Middlesex, England, Wikimedia commons.