Transport for London (TfL) is increasing the penalty charge for red route contraventions, targeting road safety and congestion.

TfL data reveals a 26% increase in the number of PCNs issued for parking, loading, bus lane and moving traffic offences between 2016 and 2019

From 17 January 2022, the charge will increase 23% from £130 to £160, providing a more effective deterrent that’s intended to increase compliance and reduce danger and traffic jams.

The rise comes as TfL data reveals a 26% increase in the number of PCNs issued for parking, loading, bus lane and moving traffic offences between 2016 and 2019.

The penalty charge hasn’t been increased since 2011 and the rise, which is in line with inflation, comes after a public consultation was held last summer.

London’s red routes are roads managed by TfL. They make up 5% of roads but carry 30% of the capital’s traffic. Stopping is generally prohibited on these roads, outside of designated locations and times clearly marked by signs.

TfL said ignoring these rules the risk of collisions, creates danger for people walking and cycling and makes congestion worse.

PCNs can be issued for contraventions such as parking illegally in loading bays, blocking yellow box junctions, making a turn where banned, driving or parking in a bus lane and stopping on the red route.

Siwan Hayward, TfL’s director of compliance, policing, operations and security, added: “Increasing the penalty charge for contraventions on our road network in line with inflation will provide a more effective deterrent to drivers and improve the safety and reliability of the network.”

TfL said the increase will bring the charges in line with the penalties for non-payment of the Congestion Charge and the Ultra-Low Emission Zone, which are also currently set at £160. Any revenue raised through these penalty notices is invested back into London’s transport network.

However, RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes commented: “While most drivers accept the need for enforcement to make roads safer and less congested, this increase in the level of fine is pretty eye-watering and not far off the fine for a serious motoring offence such as illegally using a handheld mobile phone. This change also comes after a recent permanent hike in the Congestion Charge and the expansion of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone which means driving in and around central London could well become even more expensive for some of the capital’s beleaguered drivers.”

The penalty charge will still be reduced by 50% if paid within 14 days and increased by 50% if paid after 28 days.

TfL also recently announced that it intends to make its trial of 24-hour bus lanes permanent, after the evaluation found the extended hours cut journey times and helped reliability, making bus use more attractive and helping to encourage more Londoners on to buses.