London Councils has published data on parking enforcement and appeals in London for 2023-24.
The figures show that the London boroughs, the London Lorry Control Scheme and Transport for London issued a total of 8,333,486 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) to motorists who had contravened parking, bus lane and moving traffic regulations. This represents an increase in PCNs issued of 9.7% since 2022-23.
This increase was due to an 11.2% rise in the number of Parking PCNs issued, while bus lane PCNs saw an increase of 1.9% and moving traffic PCNs an increase of 8.5%.
Enforcement of the rules of the road leads to positive behaviour change among road users which makes the capital’s streets safer for all Londoners and its visitors. It also plays a critical role in reducing congestion and helping to decrease air pollution in certain areas, particularly on school streets.
A small minority of drivers fail to follow the rules of the road, which is why enforcement is necessary to encourage all motorists to drive and park in a considerate and safe manner.
Parking and traffic management also provides important benefits for pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and communities throughout London. These include maintaining road safety and access for Londoners as they go to work, travel for leisure and access services.
London boroughs and TfL only issue PCNs when they believe they have evidence that a breach of parking or moving traffic rules has occurred. All PCN income goes towards paying for the provision of essential traffic and parking services, with any surplus funding ringfenced to invest in other important transport projects such as the Freedom Pass concessionary travel scheme for older and disabled Londoners.
The total number of PCN appeals received by London Tribunals in 2023-24 has decreased by 2.03% from 2022-23 levels to 42,193. The total number of appeals allowed was 16,947 in 2023-24, an increase of 18.2% from last year.
London Councils is currently analysing responses from a full public consultation on parking and traffic enforcement penalty charges in London. The results of this consultation will be discussed in December by London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee.
Cllr Kieron Williams, London Councils Executive Member for Climate, Transport and Environment, said:
“Traffic and parking management in London is a vital service provided by London’s boroughs and TfL that keeps London’s streets moving and balances the needs of different communities.
“If drivers believe they have wrongly received a PCN, we encourage them to appeal to the local authority that issued the penalty. If they are not satisfied with the outcome, they can appeal to an independent adjudicator via the relevant independent appeals service at London Tribunals.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
1) See the full details of the enforcement and appeals statistics for 2023-24.