Request ID: FOI-2333-2122 Date published: 15 February 2022
You asked
I have been reading through the consultation report to the proposed (and now seemingly to be implemented)
changes to the penalty for committing infringements on TfL managed roads
(https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/10453/widgets/29891/documents/22260) and was intrigued by the comment
made summarising Logistic UK’s response that there ‘did not appear to be any underlying data to show that an
an increase to the PCN level would lead to an increase in compliance’.
I have read through the remainder of this document and was disappointed with the apparent lack of response
to this issue, bar the numerous times you exert that there has been a 26% increase in the number of PCNs
issued for ‘most contraventions’ between 2016 and 2019. As such, I would appreciate if you could disclose the
following information:
● The revenue generated from PCNs issued for contraventions on the TfL road network in the financial
year 1st April 2010 to 31st March 2011, prior to the previous increase in PCN cost, as well as the
number of PCNs issued in this period for these reasons.
● The revenue generated from PCNs issued for contraventions on the TfL road network in the financial
year 1st April 2011 to 31st March 2012, the year following the previous increase in PCN cost, as well
as the number of PCNs issued in this period for these reasons.
● The revenue generated from PCNs issued for contraventions on the TfL road network in the financial
year 1st April 2020 to 31st March 2021, the last complete financial year, as well as the number of PCNs
issued in this period for these reasons.
● Whether there have been any models or studies conducted or commissioned by TfL directly into the
most likely change in revenue generated by PCNs issued for contraventions on the TfL road network
and number of PCNs issued for these reasons as a result of increasing the PCN charge to £160, and if
so the findings and conclusions these surveys/models draw.
Once again, I thank you in advance for your time, and I would appreciate a confirmation of receipt of this
request.
Clarification received 20/01/2022: Would you be able to provide the data for numbers of all offences bar those for an infringement of Road User Charging schemes, that is to say all offences which take place on the TLRN apart from those relating to a non-payment of the Congestion Charge, LEZ or ULEZ?
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-2333-2122
Thank you for your request of 13th January 2022 asking for information about Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued for traffic contraventions on the Transport for London Road Network (TLRN)
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy.
Your questions are answered in turn below - noting that you clarified on 20th January 2022 that your questions do not relate to PCNs issued for non-compliance with Road User Charging schemes such as the Congestion Charge or ULEZ:
Question 1: The revenue generated from PCNs issued for contraventions on the TfL road network in the financial year 1st April 2010 to 31st March 2011, prior to the previous increase in PCN cost, as well as the number of PCNs issued in this period for these reasons.
And;
Question 2: The revenue generated from PCNs issued for contraventions on the TfL road network in the financial year 1st April 2011 to 31st March 2012, the year following the previous increase in PCN cost, as well as the number of PCNs issued in this period for these reasons.
And;
Question 3: The revenue generated from PCNs issued for contraventions on the TfL road network in the financial year 1st April 2020 to 31st March 2021, the last complete financial year, as well as the number of PCNs issued in this period for these reasons.
The amount of revenue generated through these PCNs in the years requested is shown in the table below:
Date
Revenue (£)
01/04/2010 - 31/03/2011
40,134,869
01/04/2011 - 31/03/2012
41,687,334
01/04/2020 - 31/03/2021
47,548,053
The number of such PCNs issued in these periods can be found on the London Councils website here:
In accordance with section 21 of the Freedom of Information Act we are not required to provide this information as it is readily available elsewhere.
Question 4: Whether there have been any models or studies conducted or commissioned by TfL directly into the most likely change in revenue generated by PCNs issued for contraventions on the TfL road network and number of PCNs issued for these reasons as a result of increasing the PCN charge to £160, and if so the findings and conclusions these surveys/models draw.
The Penalty Charge level for contraventions on the TLRN has not increased for over ten years. The last increase was in April 2011 when it rose from £120 to £130. The increase to £160 is in line with inflation since the last increase. TfL consulted on the change and the subsequent consultation report can be viewed here: https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/penalty-charge-2021/widgets/29891/documents (see the “TfL Penalty Charge consultation report”). This report looks in detail at all the feedback received - from Page 77 onwards it documents the key issues raised and our reasoned responses to them.
At this stage we have not carried out specific modelling or a study into the impact of the increase of the PCN. We expect the higher Penalty Charge level will increase compliance with the rules which will boost bus reliability, reduce congestion, improve air quality and encourage more people to walk and cycle.
Good compliance with road regulations is key to the safe and efficient operation of the TLRN. Our aim is to improve compliance, not to penalise drivers. We widely publicise the rules of the TLRN as well as ensuring that all on-street signage and road markings required to enforce the rules is fit for purpose.
By law the revenues generated from TLRN contraventions must be used for relevant transport and environmental purpose following the cost of the enforcement operation. In 2019/20 surplus revenue generated was invested in making improvements to the Capitals transport infrastructure such as in the following projects:
£16.8m for the Roads and Bridges programme for improving the quality of street conditions and bridges, including safety.
£10.5m for the Road Safety Programme of initiatives to reduce road casualties including engineering schemes and road safety campaigns
£3.9m for the Walking and Cycling Programme of improvements for pedestrians, including on London borough roads, and investments in cycling initiatives.
£3.9m for Bus Network Improvements, for continued enhancement of London’s bus infrastructure, expansion of 24-hour routes and expansion of CCTV on buses
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely,
David Wells FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
