September 10, 2021
Abby Nuttall
Articles
Transport for London (TfL) have put forward proposals to increase penalty charges for drivers who fail to adhere to the rules of the red route network, commit parking offences or drive in an active bus lane.
The penalty charge notice (PCN), which is commonly referred to as a fine, will increase by £30 from the current £130 to £160.
As it currently does it will be reduced to half if paid within 14 days, so for drivers who make prompt payments the PCN will drop to £80.
This would be the first increase in PCNs in ten years since they rose to £130 in 2011.
The red route network, also known as the Transport for London Road Network, is the only part of the city’s roads that are controlled by TFL with the rest of the roads looked after by local authorities. Up to 30% of the city’s traffic travel on these roads.
The TfL has said that the income generated by fines issued to drivers in the city is used to cover the cost of enforcement and any surplus is reinvested to make roads safer for all road users.
They have also said that the higher penalty will encourage better compliance with road rules and this in turn will reduce congestion, improve air quality, road safety and bus reliability.
In order to get feedback from drivers and road users, TfL currently have a public survey open for comments. This survey is due to close on the 19th of September so if you live, work or drive in the city then have your say now.
If you do not want to complete the online survey you can submit written comments via email at Haveyoursay@tfl.gov.uk or to their free post address.
We will keep you updated as further information on the proposed changes comes out.