Fines for parking and traffic penalty charges are set to increase across London boroughs, including Richmond borough, on Monday, 7 April, to deter dangerous and inconsiderate parking and driving. 

The new charges aim to bring fines in line with Transport for London's (TfL) road network. 

From 7 April, higher-level charges in Band A areas will rise from £130 to £160, while Band B areas will see an increase from £110 to £140. 

Lower-level charges in Band A will rise from £80 to £110, and Band B will rise from £60 to £90.

All penalties are reduced by 50% if paid within the discount period.

Bus Lane and Moving Traffic contraventions will also increase by £30 as of 7 April to:

• Penalty for contraventions of bus lane regulations - £160
• Penalty for moving traffic contraventions - £160

These penalties are also reduced by 50% if paid within the discount period.

Additional Parking Fees include: 

• Release fee from wheel clamp = £100 from £70
• Release fee from car pound = £280 from £200
• Daily storage fee = £55 per day from £40 per day
• Disposal fee = £100 from £70.

 London boroughs differentiate penalties based on the severity of the contravention, with higher-level charges for more serious transgressions, such as obstructing roads, and lower-level penalties for less severe matters such as overstaying in parking bays. 

The 50% discount remains in place for those who pay their Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) within 14 days across all higher and lower-level charges.

PCNs help manage parking and traffic, and can reduce congestion, improve air quality and incentivise road users to drive and park safely, protect access, crossings and junctions, and increase active travel such as walking and cycling.

The number of people receiving PCNs has increased by 50% over the last 12 years across London. 

In that time, enforcement costs have risen but fines have not increased since 2011. 

PCNs are seen as a vital way to keep London moving by deterring inconsiderate driving and protecting kerbside space such as disabled bays.

In Richmond, any net revenue raised by PCNs goes toward transport schemes, such as highways improvements and maintenance. 

Richmond Council has recently announced a record level of investment in roads and pavements of £21 million to be spent over the next three years.

Stephen Boon, London Councils' Chief Operating Officer, said: "Boroughs have a duty to ensure London's roads remain safe and accessible for everyone. 

"Through using PCNs to manage parking and traffic, boroughs can reduce congestion and incentivise road users to drive and park safely, protect access, crossing and junctions, and increase active travel such as walking and cycling. 

"Boroughs can also improve bus prioritisation, reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality. 

"The vast majority of motorists who abide by the rules will be unaffected by these changes. 

"Penalty charges have not changed since 2011 and the evidence clearly showed they needed to be increased to remain as an effective deterrent for the small minority who don't abide by the rules. 

"Any net revenue raised from PCNs is reinvested in transport schemes, including paying for the Freedom Pass providing free public transport for older and disabled Londoners."

Richmond Council has been contacted for comment.