Thousands of drivers to see parking fees sharply increase in fundraising move by local council

The changes would see the council move its parking penalties to a higher band tariff increasing the charges by nearly 20 per cent.

At present, the southern part of Lambeth, south of the South Circular Road, operates under the lower Band B tariff whereas the northern area already uses the higher Band A charges.

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Under the proposed changes, PCN rates across Lambeth would increase significantly for the southern part of the borough.

From 2025, higher contravention charges could rise to £130 (£65 discounted rate), up from the current £110 (£55 discounted rate) in Band B areas.

Lower contravention charges would also see an increase, jumping to £80 (£40 discounted rate) from £60 (£30 discounted rate).

The proposal would also see the entire borough adopt the Band A rates, potentially increasing costs for drivers who commit parking offences in southern Lambeth.

The council said: “The aim of this proposal is to have a uniform band across the borough, bringing Lambeth in line with similar councils like London Boroughs of Merton, Brent, Ealing and Hounslow which have also implemented a single PCN Band.

“We are recommending changing the PCN Band in the current Band B areas of the borough to Band A, to discourage drivers from parking illegally, to better protect kerb space for residents and positively contribute to traffic management within the borough.”

The council added that the change is part of Lambeth's Kerbside Strategy, which aims to reduce parking spaces in the borough, ensuring the kerbside is accessible to all residents, not just car owners.

The council stated that as parking spaces become more limited, stronger deterrents against illegal parking would become more necessary.

Lambeth's move brings it in line with most inner-city London boroughs, which already use only Band A penalty charges.

The last London-wide review of PCN banding took place in 2011 with Lambeth now one of the few remaining boroughs still operating with dual bands.

For the northern part of Lambeth, already under Band A, rates would remain unchanged, the council noted.

Higher and lower contravention charges for parking are associated with the type of offence committed.

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Lambeth Council has launched a public consultation on the proposed PCN changes, with residents urged to respond to the plans before October 13.

After the consultation closes, the outcome will be compiled into a report and a final decision on whether to proceed with the Band A application will then be made.