London Councils has published data on parking enforcement and appeals in London for the 2018-19 financial year.
This year’s figures show that London boroughs and TfL issued 5,958,048 penalty charge notices (PCNs) to motorists who they believed had contravened parking and moving traffic regulations in 2018-19. This represents a 6% increase from the previous financial year.
Traffic rules and regulations serve a crucial role in reducing congestion and help make our streets safer for everyone. According to Transport for London, in 2017, a total of 3,881 people were killed or seriously injured on London’s roads, demonstrating that more needs to be done to achieve road safety targets. Enforcement is necessary to ensure good compliance with the rules by showing that inconsiderate and dangerous behaviour on our roads is unacceptable.
An example of where rigorous enforcement of new road safety rules has made a significant difference is the Bank on Safety scheme. The number of moving traffic PCNs issued has reduced in the City of London due to improved compliance with the traffic management scheme, which sought to address the high casualty rate at Bank Junction. Approximately 40,000 fewer unauthorised vehicles travelled through the area during restricted hours last year, reducing the probability of a serious injury or fatality, and improving bus and cycle journey times.
A well-managed parking regime that includes enforcement helps to make London’s streets less congested, ensures that the demand for spaces does not exceed the supply, and helps incentivise the use of more sustainable transport modes such as walking, cycling and public transport. This helps improve the lives of Londoners by improving air quality and accessibility for all.
If drivers believe they have received a PCN in error, they are encouraged to appeal to the enforcement authority that issued the ticket. If they are not satisfied with the outcome, they can appeal, for free, to an independent adjudicator via the capital’s independent appeals service, London Tribunals.
Between 2017-18 to 2018-19, the number of appeals in London received by London Tribunals for traffic related contraventions decreased by 2.64%. Appeals were pursued for 0.62% of all PCNs issued.
All income from PCNs is put towards paying for the provision of essential traffic and parking services. Any surplus is invested in other important transport projects, such as the Freedom Pass concessionary travel scheme for older and disabled Londoners.
Cllr Julian Bell, Chair of London Councils' Transport and Environment Committee, said:
“Around 9.6 million trips are made in London by car, taxi or private hire vehicle each day. Traffic and parking management provided by London’s boroughs and TfL helps make these journeys safer and healthier for everyone in London.
“The vast majority of road users in London understand and follow the rules, which are put in place for the common good. London boroughs and TfL only issue PCNs when they believe they have evidence that a breach of parking or moving traffic rules has occurred.
“It is encouraging that in several cases, enforcement is leading to positive behaviour change among road users, which benefits everyone who travels in and around our capital city.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
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This year’s parking enforcement and appeals statistics for London can be found here .
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For more information on London Tribunals, the capital’s free and independent appeals service, visit the London Tribunals website.
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Information on the number of road casualties and injuries can be found on TfL’s website.