London Penalty Charges Set to Increase by £30: Which Boroughs Will be Paying the Most?
Following the announcement that parking penalty charges across London are set to increase by £30, drivers across all 33 London boroughs will be affected by the change for the first time in fifteen years.
A penalty charge notice (PCN) is a fine for breaking parking or traffic rules. PCNs can be issued for parking on double yellow lines, driving in bus lanes, or not paying the congestion zone charge on time.
Car leasing experts at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts have analysed data from London Council to discover which London boroughs received the most PCNs in 2023-24 and are, therefore, most likely to be affected by the upcoming price increase.
What are the New PCN Rules Affecting London Drivers?
Penalty charges in London’s boroughs vary based on the severity of the offence. More serious violations, such as obstructing roads, incur higher-level charges, while minor infractions, like overstaying in parking bays, result in lower penalties.
In Band A areas (Central London), higher-level charges would rise from £130 to £160, while in Band B areas (outer London), they would increase from £110 to £140.
The London Boroughs that Receive the Most PCNs
In total, over 8.3 million penalty charge notices were issued in London during 2023-24; here are the boroughs with the most:
| Rank | Enforcement Authority | Total PCNs |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Westminster | 469,204 |
| 2 | Newham | 439,131 |
| 3 | Hammersmith & Fulham | 436,537 |
| 4 | Islington | 410,266 |
| 5 | Haringey | 397,151 |
| 6 | Lambeth | 363,926 |
| 7 | Camden | 285,573 |
| 8 | Waltham Forest | 277,446 |
| 9 | Redbridge | 264,952 |
| 10 | Southwark | 264,259 |
Westminster Issued the Most Penalty Charge Notices in London
With 469,204 PCNs issued in Westminster, they lead the way with the most parking and traffic infringements. With nearly 30,000 more than second-place, Newham. Westminster also had the highest number of parking PCNs in London, making up 87% of all PCNs issued in 2023-24.
Newham and Hammersmith & Fulham Complete the Top Three
Newham had 439,131 PCNs, 281,037 of which were parking-related. Hammersmith & Fulham were closely behind as the borough with the third-highest number of penalty charges notices at 436,537. Over half (273,401) PCNs for Hammersmith & Fulham were moving traffic offences, such as entering a yellow box junction without a clear exit, driving in a bus lane or going through a “no entry” sign.
Keith Hawes, Director of Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, comments: “Not just because of the price increase, but due to road safety and reducing congestion, following traffic and parking rules is paramount. Drivers in London and surrounding areas should research nearby parking when travelling somewhere new, make themselves aware of any temporary traffic measures and ensure they pay on ULEZ or congestion charges promptly to avoid the chance of receiving a PCN.”
Final Words
As parking penalty charges in London rise for the first time in 15 years, drivers must stay informed about the new regulations to avoid costly fines. With Westminster, Newham, and Hammersmith & Fulham topping the list for the most PCNs issued, it’s clear that enforcement remains strict across the capital.
To minimize the risk of penalty charges, motorists should familiarize themselves with parking restrictions, congestion charges, and other traffic rules before setting out. By staying vigilant and planning ahead, drivers can navigate London’s roads more smoothly while avoiding unnecessary fines.
With higher penalty charges now in effect, careful planning and awareness are more important than ever. By staying vigilant and adhering to the rules, drivers can navigate London’s roads smoothly while avoiding unexpected expenses.
