London’s streets ‘paved with fines’ as TfL income from driver penalty charges soars

Traffic around the A40 Westway near Wood Lane in West London
-Credit: (Image: Facundo Arrizabalaga)


New data has shown that Transport for London’s (TfL) income from fining drivers using major roads in the city has soared by 57 per cent over the last five years. The authority received £89.3 million in the 2023/24 financial year for perceived offences on its red route network, according to a draft version of its next annual report seen by the PA news agency.

In 2018/19, this figure was £56.8 million. The AA has attributed the rise to the increased use of new and more sophisticated CCTV cameras, and TfL’s decision in January 2022 to uplift the value of penalty charge notices (PCNs) from £130 to £160.

It also accused the officials of ensuring London’s streets are 'paved with fines'. TfL said it is 'essential' traffic moves 'safely and efficiently' on its network.

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A general view of a CCTV camera in Westminster
Fines often rely on evidence from CCTV cameras -Credit:Oli Scarff/Getty Images

The authority issues PCNs for violations on red routes involving bus lanes, yellow box junctions, banned turns, stopping and parking, often relying on evidence from CCTV cameras. There are around 367 miles of red route roads in London, meaning income from fines reached an average of nearly £244,000 per mile in 2023/24.

AA head of roads policy Jack Cousens said: “Dick Whittington would now say that London’s streets are paved with fines. So massive is the income from road traffic enforcement on London’s red routes that to lose it would leave a huge black hole in TfL finances.

“It seems TfL may need drivers to offend and generate income instead of complying with road rules.”

Traffic has to move 'safely and efficiently'

Siwan Hayward, TfL’s director of security, policing and enforcement, said: “We are committed to keeping London moving safely and efficiently, and reducing delays on London’s red routes, which is also essential to ensuring a reliable bus network for everyone.

“Compliance on red routes is vital in achieving these aims, and non-compliance disrupts traffic – creating congestion and safety risks for everyone – and impacts London’s air quality.”

She insisted PCNs are used as an 'important deterrent to drivers' rather than to 'generate income'. Ms Hayward added: “They are only issued to the small number of drivers who contravene (the rules), and the number of drivers who receive more than one PCN for reoffences remains relatively low.”

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