London Parking Fines Set to Rise to £160 as Sadiq Khan Approves Council Plans

London Parking Fines Set to Rise to £160 Following Mayoral Approval

Parking fines in London are set to increase for the first time since 2010 after Mayor Sadiq Khan approved a proposal from the city’s 33 borough councils. This decision aims to curb the growing problem of "anti-social and obstructive parking," which has led to increasing complaints from residents and motorists alike. The new fines, which could rise to as much as £160, are expected to act as a stronger deterrent against illegal parking and traffic violations.

Why Are Fines Increasing?

London Councils, which represents the capital’s boroughs, has long pushed for an increase in fines to address widespread issues such as pavement parking, illegal parking on yellow lines, and vehicles blocking bus lanes. A recent consultation revealed that one of the public’s biggest concerns was the lack of enforcement against vehicles parked on pavements, which can obstruct pedestrians, wheelchair users, and those with prams.

A record-breaking 8.3 million parking fines were issued in London during the 2023/24 financial year, generating millions in revenue for local councils. However, officials insist that the primary goal of the increase is to promote compliance rather than generate additional income.

Breakdown of the New Charges

Under the revised penalty system, all parking fines will increase by £30. The new structure is as follows:

• Higher-Level Fines:
  • "Band A" areas (including inner London and suburban town centres) will see an increase from £130 to £160.
  • "Band B" areas will rise from £110 to £140.
  • These penalties apply to more serious offences, such as parking on yellow lines or causing obstructions.
• Lower-Level Fines:
  • "Band A" areas will increase from £80 to £110.
  • "Band B" areas will rise from £60 to £90.
  • These fines typically apply when drivers overstay in a car park or exceed their paid parking time.
• Traffic Violations:
  • Fines for offences such as stopping in a yellow box junction or making an illegal turn will increase from £130 to £160.
  • These changes will align borough-issued fines with Transport for London’s (TfL) existing £160 fines for red route violations.

Additional Charges and Enforcement Measures

Alongside higher fines, boroughs will also increase associated penalties:

• The fee for releasing a wheel-clamped vehicle will rise from £70 to £100.
• The cost of reclaiming a vehicle from an impound lot will increase from £200 to £280.
• The daily storage charge for impounded vehicles will rise from £40 to £55.

These adjustments aim to encourage compliance and deter repeat offenders from flouting parking laws.

The Debate: A Necessary Measure or an Additional Burden?

The decision to raise parking fines has sparked debate among Londoners. Nearly half of the 1,600 respondents to London Councils' consultation opposed the increases, citing concerns about the financial strain on motorists amid the cost-of-living crisis.

However, authorities argue that penalty charge notices (PCNs) are designed to serve as a deterrent, not as a revenue stream. They emphasize that any net income generated from fines is reinvested into transport services, including the Freedom Pass scheme, which provides free public transport for older and disabled residents at a cost of £350 million per year.

What Happens Next?

Following Sadiq Khan's approval on February 5, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has a month to raise any objections. If no objections are made, the new fine structure will come into effect, marking the first government-approved increase in London parking fines in 14 years.

With parking-related PCNs rising from 4 million in 2010/11 to 4.5 million in 2023/24, and "moving traffic" offences skyrocketing from 571,000 to 3.45 million in the same period, local authorities hope that tougher penalties will lead to greater compliance and fewer violations.

As London continues to grapple with parking and traffic congestion challenges, these new measures aim to ensure safer and more accessible streets for all road users.