New £100 fines aimed at cutting the frustration and danger caused by selfish people who clog up the capital’s paths and roads are to be introduced. Only those people breaking the law will be affected by these fines – the Association of London Government (ALG) has warned.
The new London Local Authorities and Transport for London Act 2003 allows boroughs and TfL to take over the enforcement of traffic regulations from the police such as blocking box junctions, ignoring no left or right turn signs, or driving the wrong way down a one way street.
The Act aims to help make London’s roads as safe and un-congested as possible for motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and all other road users, by taking action against motorists who choose to break the law by ignoring a range of traffic regulations.
From April 1, the boroughs and Transport for London will be able to fine to drivers breaking these regulations. These fines are set at £100 but will be reduced to £50 if they are paid within 14 days.
The scheme will be piloted for around nine months by six boroughs and TfL, after which they will be reviewed and introduced across the rest of the capital. The pilot boroughs and TfL will each set a date from when the new fines start to apply on their roads.
The Act will also mean that drivers or operators who break the London Lorry Ban will receive penalty charge notices rather than being taken to court. Operators could face a £500 fine while drivers could face a £100 fine. The Ban helps reduce the unnecessary lorry movements disturbing the peace of Londoners at night and weekends.
There will also be £100 fixed penalty fines for people blocking footpaths and roads with items like skips and displays outside shops.
The fines will be invested into transport schemes including improving roads, pavements, and public transport.
The fines were set following consultations with motoring organisations, the police, business groups, boroughs and the Government.
Chair of the ALG’s Transport and Environment Committee Cllr Phil Portwood said:
“Motorists stopping in box junctions or driving the wrong way down a one way street need to remember they are breaking the law. These selfish acts not only add unnecessary hazards on our already busy roads, but also jeopardise the safety of other people.
“We feel we have set these fines at a sensible level that also deter people from breaking the law in the first place.
”The law is there to protect the community. No one should think they have the right to break the law.
“My advice to anyone wanting to avoid receiving any of these fines is to ensure they observe the traffic regulations in the first place.”
Note to editors
The powers given to boroughs and TfL under the London Local Authorities and Transport for London Act 2003 were formally carried held by the police.
The increases need to be ratified by The Mayor of London and the Secretary of State for Transport. If agreed they will be implemented from April 1, 2004.
The boroughs taking part in then pilot scheme are Camden, Croydon, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Newham and Wandsworth.
Among those consulted on the levels of the fines were: The Disabled Drivers Association; London Cycling Campaign; AA; RAC; London Chamber of Commerce and Industry; the Metropolitan Police; GLA; Freight Transport Association; boroughs; and the Government.
More than half of the people who responded to the consultation on the fines for breaking the traffic regulations called for the fines to be set at £100 or more. Seventy five per cent of those who responded on the issue of fines for people and shops blocking footpaths and roads said the fines should be set at £100 or more.
The levels of the fines will be reviewed in one year.
The ALG Survey of Londoners 2003 found that 80 per cent of Londoners felt the severity of enforcement against people parking illegally should stay the same or get even stronger.
The Association of London Government is committed to fighting for more resources for London and getting the best possible deal for London’s 33 councils. Part think-tank, part lobbying organisation and part service provider, the ALG formulates policies, organises campaigns and runs a range of services all designed to make life better for Londoners.
Any member of the media wanting more information should contact Stewart Henderson in the ALG press office on 0207 934 9620 or by email at stewart.henderson@alg.gov.uk
