Kingston Council is encouraging residents to participate in London Councils' consultation on the level of penalty charges for parking and traffic enforcement even as it hopes to raise fees.  

The 12-week consultation and the responses are said to be "vital" for informing the decisions regarding the future penalty charges notices (PCNs).  

A spokesperson from Kingston Council said it "recognises that in conjunction with the expansion of ULEZ from the end of August 2023 this will have a financial impact on car users from and into Kingston.  

"But only car users who contravene parking and traffic enforcements."

Surbiton main road. (Photo: Emily Dalton)

Current parking and traffic enforcement charges are between £60-130, depending on the severity of the violation and whether it is a central or outer London borough.

Kingston is entirely within the Band B zone therefore the proposed increase PCNs will be towards the lower end.  

The penalty charge will vary depending on whether it is a busy high street or areas where parking is in less demand.

London Councils highlight Transport for London (TfL) increasing PCNs on the roads it manages from £130 to £160 in 2022. This resulted in approximately a 23% increase in fines for parking, bus lane and moving traffic misconduct. 

In line with TfL's increase, it can be estimated that the maximum penalty could rise to £160 with the lowest charge at £74. However, London Council has not specified how much fines and charges could increase by. 

London Councils claim the number of PCNs issued has increased by 50% over the last 12 years. It is concerned that the current penalty charge levels are not high enough to encourage compliance and act as a deterrent. 

Kingston Council has seen a 18.7% rise in moving traffic PCNs and a 44.2% increase Civil Enforcement Officer PCNs since August 2020. Bus Lane PCNs has in fact declined by 5.8%

Not following the regulations can lead to congestion and have a negative impact on air quality. It affects how other road users travel and access public transport services in London and can be dangerous. 

Kingston Council said: "We are committed to improving air quality and encouraging sustainable and active ways of travel. We support any initiatives that contribute to achieving these commitments for current and future generations."

Council Leader Andreas Kirsch has recently made a statement following the outcome of the Judicial Review of the ULEZ expansion.

The council encourages residents to have their say about the proposed charges during the consultation. 

Inflation has led to a reduction in the real value of these charges and additional fees over time. Costs for providing a parking and traffic management service have also increased significantly since 2011.

The Councils' Transport and Environment Committee has not reviewed charges since 2010 and the additional fees have not changed since 2007.  

Mayor Philip Glanville, London Councils' Executive Member for Climate Change, Transport and Environment, said: "Anyone who uses London's roads can have their say on the new proposals. We are dedicated to ensuring the plans don't negatively impact lower income and more vulnerable people and welcome all input into this consultation."

Glanville added: "By effectively managing parking and traffic we can incentivise people to drive and park safely, protect access, crossing and junctions, and increase active travel such as walking, cycling and rented e-scooter use. We can also improve bus prioritisation, reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality."