Transport for London is planning to increase the level of the penalty charge for road contraventions on its Red Routes from £130 to £160.
It says drivers who don’t follow the rules put the safety of themselves and other road users at risk and cause disruption and delays on some of the capital’s busiest and most important roads.
TfL reports that overall, there has been a 26% increase in the number of PCNs issued for parking, loading, bus lane and moving traffic offences between 2016 and 2019, and that the penalty charge level increase is being introduced to deter contraventions of the road rules and support TfL’s Vision Zero aims to reduce road danger, improve public transport reliability and increase active travel.
London’s red routes are roads managed by TfL. They make up five per cent of roads but carry 30 per cent of the capital’s traffic and are designed to allow traffic to move safely and efficiently along some of the busiest roads in London. Stopping is generally prohibited on these roads, outside of designated locations and times clearly marked by signs.
The organisation insists increasing the level of the penalty charge is about improving compliance, not penalising drivers, because it should deter motorists from contravening essential rules and safety restrictions.
PCNs can be issued for contraventions such as:
- Parking illegally in loading bays
- Blocking yellow box junctions
- Making a turn where this movement is banned, which creates risk for people walking and cycling
- Driving or parking in a bus lane
- Stopping on the red route
The penalty charge will still be reduced by 50 per cent if paid within 14 days and increased by 50 per cent if paid after 28 days.
(Picture – Yay Images)
