The ALG's Transport and Environment Committee (TEC) agreed to the rises on 13 December, following extensive consultation. The rises will apply from 1 April, provided that the London Mayor and Transport Secretary agree.
Fines in central London (Band A) are set to rise from £80 to £100. Where there are pressures on parking in outer-London areas (Band B) the fines will rise from £60 to £80. Fines in Band C (mainly car parks) will rise from £40 to £60. Inconsiderate motorists parking in bus lanes could also now be punished with a £100 fine. The current fine for parking in a bus lane is £80.
The last time the fines were increased was 1998. Guidance says fines should be set high enough to be a deterrent. Four million parking fines are issued by London's boroughs each year. The present appeals system will continue. TEC Chair Cllr Phil Portwood said the increases "will help the lawabiding motorist through helping ease congestion, by deterring those who cause delays by parking illegally in areas like bus lanes and on double yellow lines". A sliding scale of fines, depending on the nature of the offence, will not be introduced.
