London’s red routes are roads managed by TfL. They make
up five per cent of roads but carry 30 per cent of the traffic.
Red routes exist to allow traffic to move safely and
efficiently along some of the busiest roads in London. Stopping
is generally prohibited on these roads, outside of designated
locations and times clearly marked by signs. Failing to follow
the rules and signs at junctions creates safety risks, disrupts
traffic and creates congestion for everyone. Vital deliveries
and collections can be obstructed and buses and the emergency
services can be delayed.
Fine levels are set to deter motorists from ignoring vital
rules and safety restrictions. They are an important way of
encouraging everybody to follow the rules of the road. PCNs can
be issued for:
- Parking illegally in loading bays
- Blocking yellow box junctions
- Making a turn where this movement is banned, which creates
risk for people walking and cycling
- Driving or parking in a bus lane
- Parking illegally on double red lines, or on single red
lines at times when parking is not permitted
The cost of a PCN for contraventions on the red route network
has not increased for over ten years. The last increase was in
April 2011 when it rose from £120 to £130. TfL’s proposed
increase to £160 is in line with inflation since the last
increase. TfL expects the higher fine level to be a more
effective deterrent that will, over time, lead to a reduced
level of contraventions and help to keep the road network safe
for everyone. Increased compliance with the rules is also
expected to boost bus reliability, reduce congestion, improve
air quality and the encourage more people to walk and cycle.
TfL’s consultation is now open at haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/penalty-charge-2021 and runs until
19 September.
Siwan Hayward, TfL’s Director of Compliance and
Policing, said: “London’s network of red routes plays
a vital role in keeping people moving across the capital and
it’s really important that everybody follows the rules that are
in place to keep roads clear and to keep people safe. We’d much
rather people follow the rules than fine them, and the proposed
increase in fines is intended to increase compliance with the
rules and make streets safer, cleaner and less congested for
everyone. I’d urge people to have their say on these proposals
and we welcome all feedback on our plans.”
Reducing danger on the capital’s transport network is a top
priority for TfL. TfL continues to work on a number of major
programmes to make London's roads and the vehicles using them
safer. TfL's Safer Junctions programme is making life-saving
changes at some of the capital's most dangerous and
intimidating junctions. To date, TfL has completed work at a
total of 42 junctions, with construction expected to start on
more schemes later this year.
TfL's world-first Direct Vision Standard, which reduces lethal
blind spots on lorries, is already helping to save lives and
prevent life-changing injuries. The scheme requires owners of
Heavy Good Vehicles (HGVs) weighing more than 12 tonnes to
apply for a free permit that assigns vehicles a star rating
based on how much the driver can see directly through their cab
windows in order to be able to drive in London. Since its
introduction, more than 70,000 HGVs have had safe systems
fitted, improving protection for people walking, cycling or
riding e-scooters or motorcycles and saving lives.
Speed limits have also been reduced to 20mph on a number of TfL
roads across the capital and TfL is currently consulting on
reducing the speed limit on 13km of roads within Westminster.
