TfL Plan to Increase Penalty Charge Fines

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Bus lane and junction box infringements to cost motorists £160

Transport for London (TfL) is proposing an significant increase in the fines it levies for motorists who receive Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs). This would include charges for illegal bus lane use, stopping in a yellow box junction and red routes and illegal U-turns.

The proposed increased - from £130 to £160, or £65 to £80 for early payment would apply to offences on TfL's road network and for failing to pay the Congestion Charge from early next year.

In the past five years there has been a 12% increase in the number of motorists being issued with PCNs. The rise from 1.3 million in 2011/12 to 1.5 million in 2016/17.

TfL claim this is a clear indicator that the current deterrent is no longer effective. This is disputed by motoring organisation who say that rising fines are due to an increased number of enforcement points.

TfL reinvests any money received from the PCNs back into London's transport.

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."

The consultation launches on Monday 4 September and will run until 10 November, with any changes implemented in early 2018.

September 1, 2017