PCN fine amounts, discounts and increases
Penalty charges depend on where you got the PCN and whether the contravention is higher or lower level. Higher level covers more serious contraventions, such as yellow lines or disabled bays. Lower level generally means overstaying where parking is allowed.
Parking: higher-level contraventions
| Area | Penalty | Paid early (50%) | After charge certificate (+50%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| London Band A | £160 | £80 | £240 |
| London Band B | £140 | £70 | £210 |
| Outside London (most councils, band 2) | £70 | £35 | £105 |
| Outside London (band 1 areas) | £60 | £30 | £90 |
Parking: lower-level contraventions
| Area | Penalty | Paid early (50%) | After charge certificate (+50%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| London Band A | £110 | £55 | £165 |
| London Band B | £90 | £45 | £135 |
| Outside London (most councils, band 2) | £50 | £25 | £75 |
| Outside London (band 1 areas) | £40 | £20 | £60 |
Bus lane and moving traffic
| Area | Penalty | Paid early (50%) | After charge certificate (+50%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| London boroughs and TfL | £160 | £80 | £240 |
| Outside London (band 2) | £70 | £35 | £105 |
| Outside London (band 1 areas) | £60 | £30 | £90 |
TfL red routes: £160 (£80 if paid within 14 days). London figures apply from 7 April 2025 (London Councils). Outside London, figures are from Schedule 3 to SI 2022/71. Bands are chosen by each council.
London: Band A or Band B?
Band A covers: Barnet, Brent, Camden, City of London, Croydon, Ealing, Enfield, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith & Fulham, Haringey, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington & Chelsea, Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, City of Westminster. It also covers the north of Wandsworth, Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham, the west of Barking and Dagenham, and the town centres of several outer London boroughs. The rest of London is Band B. Harrow has applied to move from Band B to Band A, and the GLA decision (DD2769) was signed in January 2026. Always check the amount printed on your PCN and your borough's website.
Discount and deadlines
- 50% discount if paid within 14 days, or within 21 days for parking PCNs issued from CCTV/camera evidence. Outside London, the 21 days also applies to camera bus lane and moving traffic PCNs (SI 2022/71 reg 2, 'applicable date').
- Full amount is due within 28 days.
- +50% charge certificate if you don't pay or challenge in time.
- A court registration fee can be added at the order for recovery stage, followed by enforcement agent fees if it goes further.
Other London fees
Clamp release £100 · Release from pound £280 · Storage £55 per day · Disposal £100 (London Councils). Outside London: removal £105, storage £12 per day, disposal £50, clamp release £40 (SI 2022/71 Sch 3).
Frequently asked questions
How much is a parking ticket in London?
London borough PCNs are £160 (higher) or £110 (lower) in Band A areas and £140 or £90 in Band B, halved if paid within 14 days (21 days for CCTV parking PCNs). Bus lane and moving traffic PCNs are £160.
How much is a PCN outside London?
Most councils in England outside London charge £70 for higher-level and £50 for lower-level contraventions (£35 and £25 if paid early). Some use the lower band of £60 and £40. Bus lane and moving traffic PCNs outside London are higher level, usually £70.
Official sources
- London Councils: Parking and traffic charges in London
- London Councils: London boroughs raise parking and traffic PCN levels (17 March 2025, effective 7 April 2025)
- GLA decision DD2769: London Borough of Harrow request to change PCN levels (signed 12 January 2026)
- SI 2022/71 Schedule 3: penalty charge bands outside Greater London
- The Civil Enforcement of Road Traffic Contraventions (Approved Devices, Charging Guidelines and General Provisions) (England) Regulations 2022 (SI 2022/71)
- DfT statutory guidance: bus lane and moving traffic enforcement outside London (updated 21 Oct 2022)