From April 2025, parking fines across all 33 London boroughs will increase by £30, the first rise in 15 years. The increase is designed to reflect inflation and the cost of enforcement.
Fines vary depending on the severity of the offence and the location, with central London drivers facing the highest penalties. In this post, we’ll break down the new fine structure, reveal which boroughs issued the most Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) in 2023-24, and share tips to help you avoid fines.
The data in this blog is based on the 2023/24 London Council Enforcement Statistics on which London boroughs received the most PCNs.
A Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) is a fine issued for parking or traffic violations. Common reasons include:
- Parking on double yellow lines
- Driving in bus lanes
- Failing to pay congestion charges
Fines vary depending on the severity of the offence and whether the violation occurs in central or outer London.
The new fine structure is divided into two bands:
Band A (Central London):
- Higher-level fines: increasing from £130 to £160
- Lower-level fines: increasing from £80 to £110
Band B (Outer London):
- Higher-level fines: increasing from £110 to £140
- Lower-level fines: increasing from £60 to £90
These changes will impact all drivers in London, especially those who frequently drive in the city.
In 2023-24, over 8.3 million PCNs were issued in London. The top 10 boroughs were:
Rank | Enforcement Authority | Total PCNs |
|---|---|---|
1 | Westminster | 469,204 |
2 | Newham | 439,131 |
3 | Hammersmith & Fulham | 436,537 |
4 | Islington | 410,266 |
5 | Haringey | 397,151 |
6 | Lambeth | 363,926 |
7 | Camden | 285,573 |
8 | Waltham Forest | 277,446 |
9 | Redbridge | 264,952 |
10 | Southwark | 264,259 |
Westminster issued the most Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) in London, with a total of 469,204 in 2023-24. This puts it ahead of all other boroughs, with nearly 30,000 more than second-placed Newham. Westminster also had the highest number of parking-related PCNs, which accounted for 87% of all fines issued in the borough.
Newham and Hammersmith & Fulham ranked second and third, respectively, for the most PCNs issued. Newham recorded 439,131 PCNs, with 281,037 related to parking offences. Hammersmith & Fulham followed closely with 436,537 PCNs, over half of which (273,401) were for moving traffic violations, such as stopping in a yellow box junction without a clear exit, driving in a bus lane, or entering a restricted area.
“Not just because of the price increase, but due to road safety and reducing congestion, following traffic and parking rules is paramount. Drivers in London and surrounding areas should research nearby parking when travelling somewhere new, make themselves aware of any temporary traffic measures and ensure they pay on ULEZ or congestion charges promptly to avoid the chance of receiving a PCN.”
To reduce your chances of receiving a PCN:
- Check local parking regulations: Always read signs before parking.
- Use parking apps or websites: Find legal parking spaces easily.
- Pay congestion and ULEZ charges on time: Avoid unnecessary penalties.
- Observe road signs and restrictions: Stay alert to avoid violations.
- Avoid stopping in yellow box junctions and bus lanes: These are common areas where fines are issued.
With London parking fines rising by £30 in 2025, drivers must stay informed to avoid penalties. Boroughs with high enforcement rates, such as Westminster, Newham, and Hammersmith & Fulham, will likely see even greater fine collections.
By checking regulations, planning parking in advance, and staying up to date with congestion and ULEZ charges, you can avoid unnecessary fines. If you drive in London regularly, consider exploring a ULEZ-compliant lease vehicle to help reduce long-term costs.
Check out our Ten Tips for Fighting Unfair Private Parking Fines blog for expert advice, along with our comprehensive guide on The Laws of Parking. We also produce a range of weekly blogs on various topics, which can be found in the blog section of our website.
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