Parking and traffic fines set to increase

Admin

March 17, 2025
3 min read

Parking and traffic fines set to increase

Starting 7th April 2025, parking and traffic fines across all 32 London boroughs and the City of London will see a significant increase. This move, approved by the London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee and the Mayor of London, aims to deter unsafe and inconsiderate driving behaviours.

The adjustments will affect various penalties. Higher-level parking penalties in Band A areas, which typically cover central and more congested zones, will rise from £130 to £160. If settled within 14 days, the charge reduces to £80. In Band B areas, encompassing outer regions, penalties will increase from £110 to £140, with a £70 reduction for prompt payment. Lower-level parking penalties for less severe infractions, such as overstaying in a pay-and-display bay, will also rise. In Band A, these fines will go up from £80 to £110, reduced to £55 if paid promptly. In Band B, they will increase from £60 to £90, with a £45 reduction for early payment. Penalties for bus lane and moving traffic violations will also see a rise, with fines uniformly increasing to £160, aligning with the higher-level parking fines.

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Beyond standard fines, supplementary charges related to vehicle enforcement will also rise. The release fee for a wheel clamp will jump from £70 to £100. Retrieving a towed vehicle from a car pound will now cost £280, up from £200. If a vehicle is stored in a car pound, owners will have to pay a daily storage fee of £55, an increase from the previous £40. Additionally, should a vehicle remain unclaimed, the disposal fee will rise from £70 to £100.

The last comprehensive review of these charges was over a decade ago. Since then, there has been a notable 50% surge in penalty charges, suggesting that previous fines may no longer be effective deterrents. The updated penalties aim to address this issue, encouraging more responsible parking and driving habits across the capital.

As 7th April approaches, all drivers are advised to familiarise themselves with the new penalties to avoid unexpected fines. Staying informed and vigilant will help ensure that journeys through London remain smooth and penalty-free.

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