London boroughs to increase PCNs for first time since 2011

For the first time since 2011, London boroughs are raising parking and traffic penalty charges, which will come into effect from Monday 7th April 2025. This decision was made by London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee, following a public consultation.

According to the boroughs, the increase is necessary to make sure that penalty charge notices (PCNs) remain effective deterrents and encourage drivers to operate safety on the roads.

The number of PCNs issued in the capital has increased by around 70 per cent since 2010, from 4.8 million in 2009-10 to 8.3 million in 2023-2024. As inflation has meant a reduction of real-time value of these charges, the costs to boroughs for providing a parking and management service have also increased since 2011.

Money raised by PCNs cannot go into the boroughs’ general pot for any purpose. Alternatively, local authorities must ensure that any net revenue raised by PCNs is then reinvested in traffic and transport schemes.

In London this includes paying for the Freedom Pass which offers free public transport for 1.2 million older and disabled Londoners.

The increase ensures that PCNs are in line with the penalty charges on roads managed by Transport for London, which were raised in 2011. The changes agreed by London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee have received the required approval from the Mayor of London and the secretary of state for transport.

Stephen Boon, London Councils’ chief operating officer, said: “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 incentive 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 form PCNs is reinvested in transport schemes, including paying for the Freedom Pass providing free public transport for older and disabled Londoners.”