Drivers left outraged as traffic fines in London peak to record high as 'money-making' schemes impact travel

The data, published this week, encompassed penalties distributed by London boroughs, the London Lorry Control Scheme and Transport for London for various traffic violations.

These included breaches of parking regulations, bus lane restrictions, and moving traffic rules, all of which resulted in penalties being issued.

But this unprecedented total has sparked debate about the purpose and scale of traffic enforcement in the capital and the impact on driving.

Critics have argued that the surge in penalties reflects a shift in enforcement priorities, while authorities have maintained that the measures are essential for managing London's congested road network.

The enforcement figures revealed substantial growth across all penalty categories, with parking violations increasing by 13.4 per cent, while penalties for bus lane infractions rose by 16.8 per cent.

Moving traffic contraventions recorded a 13.3 per cent rise, contributing significantly to the overall increase. These violations typically involve offences such as illegal turns, entering yellow box junctions when exits are blocked, and breaching no-entry restrictions.

The figures mark the highest annual total of penalty charge notices recorded across all three enforcement areas in the capital's history.

The surge in penalties has drawn sharp criticism from motoring organisations, with Edmund King, president of the AA, condemning the enforcement approach.

He said: "While there is a need to protect parking spaces and bus lanes from drivers who break rules and make life difficult for other road users, London enforcement that used to be for deterrence is now a money-making exercise for TfL and London councils."

Mr King's assessment reflected growing concern amongst motorists about the financial burden of traffic penalties in the capital. Fines in London can reach £160, significantly higher than the £70 to £130 typically charged elsewhere in the country.

But the AA president did welcome the increase in appeals, adding that the group is glad to see more drivers "fighting back".

A spokesperson for London Councils shared: "Penalty Charge Notices are a vital tool to help keep London's roads safe and accessible for everyone.

"Councils only issue PCNs when there's clear evidence that the rules of the road have been broken, and this enforcement helps deter dangerous or inconsiderate driving and parking.

"The income from PCNs goes straight back into essential traffic and parking services, with any surplus reinvested into key transport initiatives like the Freedom Pass for older and disabled Londoners."

But the penalty amounts can be reduced by half when paid within 14 days, creating pressure on drivers to settle quickly rather than challenge potentially unfair notices.

The number of motorists challenging their fines has risen substantially, with appeals to London Tribunals climbing by 13.6 per cent from 42,193 to 47,935.

However, drivers have found less success in overturning penalties, with the proportion of successful appeals falling to 49.4 per cent from 54.9 per cent the previous year.

Mr King expressed concern about the deterrent effect of high penalties on legitimate challenges. He noted: "Sadly, too many drivers, who are certain they did nothing wrong or the road and sign layout was in effect a trap, paid the half-rate within 14 days instead of contesting the PCN."