London Councils Collect Over £1bn from Record 9.4 Million Motoring Fines in 2024

London has seen a significant rise in Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), with over 9.4 million fines issued last year, reflecting a 13.5% increase from the previous year and a 70% rise since 2010. These fines, related to parking, bus lane, and moving traffic violations, have generated more than £1 billion annually for London boroughs and Transport for London, with Westminster alone earning a net income of £90.6 million. The AA and other critics argue that this enforcement has shifted from deterrence to a money-making exercise, a sentiment echoed by the increase in fines and the rise in their costs, including a recent £30 hike to £160 approved by Mayor Sadiq Khan. Despite a 13.6% increase in appeals against these fines, the success rate for motorists has dropped below 50%. The surge in enforcement and revenue highlights tensions between managing traffic rules for public safety and perceptions of aggressive policing for financial gain. These developments have sparked debates on the fairness and impact of such policies on London drivers and small businesses.