TfL is planning to increase the Congestion Charge Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) from 2 January to up to £160 to encourage greater compliance.

TfL confirms Congestion Charge fines to increase in New Year

According to TfL, there has been a 12% increase in the number of motorists being issued with Congestion Charge PCNs over the last five years – from around 1.3 million in 2011/12 to around 1.5 million in 2016/17 – which it says provides a clear indicator that the effectiveness of the fines is now waning.

Currently the PCN is set at £130, dropping to £65 if paid within 14 days, but the increase – which follows a public consultation – will see the charge rise to £160 and £80 respectively.

Paul Cowperthwaite, TfL’s general manager for road user charging, said: “The new PCN level will help improve compliance and also encourage people to consider cheaper and more active alternative forms of travel.”

Later this year, TfL is also proposing to increase PCNs for offences which take place on its road network, subject to a required Secretary of State review.