Transport for London brings in higher fines for rule-breaking motorists on ‘red routes’ in capital, reports Joe Talora, Local Democracy Reporter

The North Circular Road in Bowes Park — *The North Circular in Bowes Park*

Drivers who break the rules on London’s ‘red route’ roads are set to face increased fines of £160, Transport for London (TfL) has announced.

As of Monday, 17th January, fines for offences on the TfL-managed roads will increase from £130 for the first time in over ten years, following a public consultation carried out during autumn last year.

Fines can be issued for things such as blocking a yellow box junction, parking illegally in loading bays, or driving in bus lanes. In Enfield, the roads affected by the change are the A10 and A406 (North Circular Road).

TfL has said the increased fines will improve road safety and reduce congestion on some of London’s busiest roads while contributing to improved air quality.

Despite making up just 5% of London’s roads, red routes carry 30% of all the capital’s traffic while accounting for 37% of all road traffic deaths in London. Pollution along red routes is also 57% higher than average roads.

Siwan Hayward, TfL’s director of compliance, policing, operations and security, said: “We are committed to keeping London moving safely and efficiently, and compliance on the Transport for London road network is essential in achieving those aims.

“Non-compliance impacts London’s air quality, creates safety risks, disrupts traffic and creates congestion for everyone. Increasing the penalty charge for contraventions on our road network in line with inflation will provide a more effective deterrent to drivers and improve the safety and reliability of the network.”

Fines paid within 14 days of being issued will be reduced to £80 while those who do not pay their fine within 28 days will face a charge of £240.

While TfL has said the increased penalty charge “is about improving compliance, not penalising drivers”, the transport authority stands to gain a much-needed boost to its dwindling funds through the move.

It is thought that TfL could generate as much as £20million over two years as a result of increasing red route fines.

The increase was proposed in January 2021 by Green Party members of the London Assembly in an amendment to the mayor of London’s budget as a way of generating income for TfL. The amendment was, however, voted down.

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.