Fines drop for minor parking offences

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from July 1, the level of fine will reflect the seriousness of the parking offence.........

Motorists who commit less serious parking offences like overstaying their time on a meter will pay much less in parking fines from next month.

Under a new system that will apply across all of London's 33 boroughs from July 1, the level of fine will reflect the seriousness of the parking offence.

People who overstay their time at a meter will pay less than those who illegally park at a bus stop or on the yellow safety zig-zags outside school entrances.

The new two-tier system is based on the results of lengthy public consultation carried out by London Councils - the umbrella group representing the capital's 33 town halls – and Transport for London.

More than 80 per cent of those who responded to the consultation said that acts of illegal parking causing the most disruption and danger to other road users should be penalised more heavily.

As a result drivers parking at bus stops, on pedestrian crossings, in school safety zones or on yellow lines will receive a higher penalty than those overstaying at a parking meter or displaying an invalid ticket.

Higher charges will also apply to motorists who block traffic by contravening yellow box junction rules and who also commit other moving traffic offences such as driving the wrong way down a one way street or performing an illegal turn.

In the north of the borough, which in parking terms is classed as central London, more serious offences will attract a £120 fine. Minor infractions will land an £80 ticket. In the south of the borough, which is classed as outer London under the capital's parking regulations, the fines will be £100 and £60. All penalties will be reduced by 50 per cent if paid within 14 days.

The boundary between the north and south of the borough is the A205 South Circular and the A3 East Hill/ Wandsworth Common Northside/Battersea Rise/Clapham Common Northside. 

Under the present system, there is only one level of fine regardless of the offence. This currently stands at £100 in central London and £80 in outer London.

Chairman of London Councils’ transport and environment committee Daniel Moylan said: "Motorists parking illegally stop other road users from travelling smoothly and safely on London’s busy roads. Parking enforcement is carried out to ensure that people can enjoy a hassle and danger free journey. 

"Londoners feel it is unfair that a motorist returning a few minutes late to a parking meter should be penalised the same as another causing a traffic jam by blocking a busy junction.Striking the right balance between being firm and being fair has been a challenge for parking authorities. After listening to the views of the public, I believe we have come up with a scheme that meets both these objectives."

Councillors have also agreed that lorry company operators and drivers that break the London Lorry Control Scheme will also receive £550 and £120 penalties respectively from July.

 

June 8, 2007