The penalty for driving in central London without paying the congestion charge is set to rise in order “to ensure greater compliance” and help keep the capital moving, Transport for London has announced.
Over the past five years the number of Penalty Charge Notices issued has risen from 1.3 million in 2011/12 to 1.5 million in 2016/17, TfL says this proves the current £130 fine is no longer an “effective” deterrent.
The agency plans to increase the cost to £160, with the rate for early payment also rising from £65 to £80. Both increases are subject to a public consultation which will launch on Monday.
The increased PCNs will also apply to other offences on TfL’s road network.
Paul Cowperthwaite, TfL’s General Manager for Road User Charging, said: “We are committed to keeping the Capital moving and by improving compliance we help keep junctions and roads clear, which if blocked cause significant impact to all road users.
“The overwhelming majority of motorists follow the rules; however we have seen a steady increase in the number of motorists flouting them so it is clear the current Penalty Charge Notice level is not as effective as it once was.”
The consultation launches on Monday 4 September and will run until 10 November, with any changes potentially implemented in early 2018.
