Charges for parking and traffic PCNs

Part of: Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) – parking and traffic

PCN charges are set by London Councils so parking charges across London are the same. 

There are 2 levels of charges for PCNs: 

  • serious contraventions (also known as higher level penalties) 
  • less serious contraventions (also known as lower level penalties) 

When a rule is broken, like parking on double yellow lines, it’s called a contravention. 

See the full list of contraventions on the London Councils website

Serious contraventions 

These include parking: 

  • at bus stops 
  • on double yellow lines 
  • in a suspended bay 
  • in a bay without displaying a valid permit (see below) 
  • on pedestrian crossings 
  • in safety zones outside schools 
  • on yellow lines 

Charges for serious contraventions are £130 or £65 if paid within 14 days.  

If the charge is not paid after the ‘Notice to owner’ letter is sent, the charge goes up to £195. 

If the charge is still not paid, it is registered as a debt and the charge goes up to £204. 

Less serious contraventions 

These include: 

  • parking after the expiry of a pay and display ticket 
  • re-parking in the same space within the set time 
  • parking with engine running (where prohibited) 
  • parking for longer than permitted 
  • not parking correctly within the markings of the bay or space 

Charges are £80 or £40 if paid within 14 days. 

If the charge is not paid after the ‘Notice to owner’ letter is sent, the charge goes up to £120. 

If the charge is still not paid, it is registered as a debt and the charge goes up to £129. 

Bus lane and moving traffic contraventions

Both £130.