The total number of penalty charge notices (PCNs) issued in London for illegal parking, driving in bus lanes and moving traffic contraventions has fallen by 11 per cent.

Figures released today by London Councils show that a total of 5,466,219 PCNs were issued by the boroughs and Transport for London (TfL) between 1 April 2008 and 31 March 2009. This is a reduction of 710,533 from the previous year.

The number of tickets issued for illegal parking fell this year by around 11 per cent to 4,689,309, while 540,120 penalties were issued for moving traffic contraventions - a drop of around 71,000 from the previous year.

A two tier parking penalty system - based on the seriousness of the contravention committed - has been in operation across London since July 2007.