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Common questions

Background

How do I find out more details on traffic contraventions and enforcement?

For more information relating to enforcement of contraventions in London, complete our online feedback form or write to us at Transport for London, PO Box 4532, BN13 1XZ.

What is a road traffic contravention?

A road traffic contravention is where a vehicle has contravened the requirement of (but not limited to) yellow box junctions or directional signs. E.g. made a left turn where a left turn is prohibited.

Where will enforcement of contraventions apply?

The enforcement will apply on the Red Route network and on some borough roads.

When does this enforcement process apply?

At all times, including weekends, bank holidays and public holidays. Everytime a vehicle is captured contravening the regulations, the enforcement process and associated penalty shall apply.

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General information

What happens if my vehicle is recorded in a bus lane or contravening a moving regulation?

If your vehicle is captured contravening the regulations, a penalty charge notice will be issued. You need to pay the PCN within 28 days or challenge it in writing. Details are given on the PCN. Bus lanes and other contraventions are enforced.

How do you decide when to issue a PCN?

Bus lanes and other contraventions are enforced during operational hours. Any recordings made of contravening vehicles are treated as potential offences. To determine if a driver has commited an contravention all video tapes are reviewed using a machine capable of displaying close up shots of number plates, and wider views that show the contravention in the context of the surrounding traffic conditions. Each contravention is reviewed carefully to decide whether to issue a penalty charge notice or whether there are mitigating circumstances.

Who enforces bus lanes and road traffic contraventions?

Road traffic contraventions are enforced by TfL and boroughs partaking in the enforcement as a pilot. The police may continue to enforce in those Borough that are not part of the pilot. Bus lanes are enforced by TfL and Boroughs.

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Penalty Charge Notices

Is there a discount for paying sooner?

Yes, there is a reduction of 50 per cent should the PCN be settled within 14 days of PCN issue date.

Which credit cards do you accept?

We accept all major credit and debit cards.

How do I pay the penalty charge notice?

You can pay your PCN in several ways. More information.

What is a penalty charge notice and how much is it?

A Traffic Enforcement penalty charge notice is a notification sent to the registered keeper of a vehicle which has been observed contravening a road traffic regulation during restricted hours. The full charge payable for a contravention is £120. This is subject to a 50 per cent discount to £60 if payment is received within 14 days of the PCN issue date.

How can you justify your penalty charge notice amount decreasing from £120 to £60 if I pay within 14 days?

The legislation allows a 50 per cent discount if you pay within 14 days from the date of the penalty charge notice. The reduced rate encourages prompt payment and an early closure to the case.

Why have I got a penalty charge notice?

You have received a PCN for one of two reasons. Either our cameras observed a vehicle registered to you in a bus lane during operational hours or whilst making a road traffic contravention in an enforced area.

I have received a penalty charge notice but I wasn't driving the vehicle, what can I do?

Penalty charge notices are always sent to the registered keeper. In accordance with the regulations, the registered keeper is the person responsible for the vehicle and the people they permit to drive it. The registered keeper is responsible for paying the penalty charge notice.

Can I appeal against the penalty charge notice?

Yes, you can challenge the PCN by initially writing to TfL at the address on the reverse of the PCN. If you are unhappy with the outcome, you can appeal to the Independent Adjudicator.

What is the cost of a penalty charge notice for bus lanes and road traffic contraventions?

The PCN is £120 when issued, this is discounted to £60.00 for prompt payment within 14 days of its issue. If not paid or paid late then the amount owing will increase and you will be sent a Charge Certificate. The amount owed then is £180. If this remains unpaid additional costs and actions will be incurred.

I have been contacted by the Bailiffs, what should I do?

We suggest you contact the bailiffs direct - they are now managing the debt. Their contact details will be on the letter you have received.

We would strongly advise you to pay now or the bailiffs will be instructed to recover the debt and further charges will be incurred.

If you do not pay the bailiff then they have the power to seize personal items which may then be sold to recover the outstanding debt.

More information about the bailiff recovery process can be found in the Know Your Rights leaflet.

I have received an Order of Recovery Notice, will this affect my credit rating?

No, it will not affect your credit rating.

I was not the owner of the vehicle at the time of the contravention, I bought it after this date. What can I do?

You can make a representation to TfL by completing the relevant section of the penalty charge notice. Please enclose details such as receipt of sale/purchase, and/ or a copy of the DVLA registration document , the name and address of the person from whom you bought the vehicle and the date of purchase. You should also write to the DVLA with details of the vehicle and the exact date of acquisition, enclosing copy of receipt of purchase and the V5 to the following address:

Vehicle Customer Services
VIP16 / TPEs / D13
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BL

I paid the PCN, but have received an enforcement notice, why?

The enforcement notice has been sent because payment has not been received - it may have crossed in the post or have not covered the full charge. Please contact us by phone on 0845 603 4545 to discuss the matter. You should also demonstrate that payment has been made by forwarding copies of receipts relating to the charge.

I have received a Notice of Rejection and want to appeal against the decision?

Please complete the Application for Appeal you should have received with the Notice of Rejection, and send it to the Parking and Traffic Appeals Service.

I want to pay my penalty charge notice but have lost (or forgotten) my penalty charge notice number, what can I do?

You can pay for a penalty charge notice provided you know the vehicle registration number and details about the vehicle or contravention. Please contact us on 0845 603 4545. We can also arrange for a copy of the Notice to be sent out if required.

How will you make sure that foreign vehicles pay?

Any foreign vehicles contravening the traffic enforcement regulations will be passed to a European Union Debt Collection Agency who will identify the keeper of the vehicle and issue the penalty charge notice to the identified keeper.

Can you cancel a PCN that has been incorrectly issued?

A penalty charge notice has been issued because a vehicle registered to you has contravened the traffic enforcement regulations. Should you wish to challenge this, you may do so by making a Representation as follows: a) if the PCN has been issued for a 'road traffic contravention' you can appeal the decision immediately by completing the form attached to the PCN, or b) if the PCN has been issued for a bus lane contravention, you will need to wait until an enforcement notice has been received and complete the attached form. All representations can be made in writing to us at Transport for London PO Box 4532, BN13 1XZ.

I have received a penalty charge notice for a vehicle I have never owned. What can I do?

You can make a representation using the relevant section of the penalty charge notice. You should also write to DVLA at the following address with details of the vehicle explaining that you have never owned it.

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Suspensions on the red route

What is a suspension?

A suspension is a temporary order suspending any parking or loading bays and single red lines. This is to enable works to be carried out on or near the carriageway and in some cases, to hold special events.

How do I know a suspension is in place?

At least three days prior (except in emergency situations) to the suspension taking effect, a warning sign (first image) is erected showing the start time and date, estimated duration, operational hours, reason and reference number. Vehicles parked at the site will have a warning notice placed on them to inform the motorist of the forthcoming suspension. This is not a fine (PCN), if you receive one you should move your vehicle before the suspension comes into effect.

Red Route sign - parking and loading suspended   

Before the start of the suspension, regulatory signs (second image) are erected over the existing sign, showing the operating times and days (where applicable).

How does a suspension affect normal parking and loading?

All parking or loading is suspended during the times indicated on the regulatory road sign.

If I park in a suspended area, could I get a fine (PCN)?

Yes and your vehicle may be removed.

How do I know the suspension has finished?

Road signs will show the information.

While the suspension is in force where do I park my vehicle?

If the regulatory sign indicates the suspension has daily operation times you can park outside of those times. If not, you need to find an alternative legal parking space.

Can I book a suspension?

No. Suspensions are only granted for works on or near the carriageway and special events. Members of the public can apply for a dispensation to park a specific vehicle at a particular place and time where normally this would not be allowed. You can apply for a dispensation or call us on 0845 603 4545.

I am going on holiday. What would happen to my vehicle if a suspension were put in place?

When the suspension warning signs are put up, TfL staff will note any vehicles parked at that time. A vehicle that appears to have been parked prior to the warning signs going up will be repositioned to a legal parking space or removed to a car pound. In this case, your vehicle will be released at no cost to you. If your car is not at the location you left it, you should call the London-wide tracing service, on 020 7747 4747 (24 hours), who will be able to tell you if your vehicle has been removed by TfL or one of the London boroughs. If they have information about your vehicle, they will be able to provide advice on how to recover it.

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Blue Badge

I have a Blue Badge issued within the EC. Do I qualify for exemption from enforcement?

Blue badge holders are not exempt from the enforcement of bus lanes or from PCN offences under London Local Authorities and Transport for London act 2003 (road traffic contraventions)

For further information see the blue badge parking map

Blue badge holders - rules for parking on the red route (PDF 56.5KB)

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Data protection

How do I request a copy of the information you hold about me?

To get a copy of the information TfL holds about you for enforcement purposes, please put a formal request in writing to us at Transport for London PO Box 4532, BN13 1XZ

Can I see the video and static pictures you have taken of my vehicle?

Grabbed images of the contravention are included on page two of the PCN. However, if you still wish to see the video, please put a formal request in writing to us at Transport for London PO Box 4532, BN13 1XZ. An appointment will be made for you to view the video free of charge. Alternatively, a copy of the video tape can sent to you for a fee of £10.

How can I ensure my privacy is maintained?

All video tapes are viewed in a dedicated secure operations centre, by a team of highly trained personnel. Working to an agreed Code of Practice the handling and storing of video tapes is such that the privacy of individuals and the integrity of the evidence is protected.

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Exemptions

Are there any exemptions to the enforcement of bus lanes and road traffic contraventions?

All emergency services (such London Ambulances, Fire Brigade, Police vehicles) are exempt from the enforcement process.

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Website help

I am having problems making a payment through the website?

If you are having problems with the website, we recommend that you call us on 0845 603 4545 as we accept telephone payments by credit or debit card.

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Bus lane enforcement

When will motorcycles/mopeds be allowed in bus lanes?

Transport for London is looking at all aspects of motorcycle use in London. The Mayor's Transport Strategy recognises that motorcycles take up little space and are relatively low cost, but it also notes concern at the comparatively high number of accidents involving motorcycles. We have set up a Motorcycle Working Group that includes representatives of motorcycle campaign groups both in London and nationally.

The remit of the group is to improve motorcycle facilities and safety in London. Allowing motorcycles into bus lanes is one of the issues that the group is considering.

As you may be aware, there have been experiments with motorcycles sharing bus lanes outside London, but there is a lack of sound monitoring information and, as a result, there is little objective data about the effects. In addition, due to its size and the diverse traffic and pedestrian activity on its roads, London is considered as a special case.

For these reasons, we have introduced pilot schemes, which it is anticipated, will help to inform both the London and national debate on this issue.

The bus lane pilot study will focus on three key areas: A41 Finchley Road between Queens Grove North and Platts Lane Hours: 7am - 10am and 4pm - 7pm. A23 Brixton Road to Streatham High Road, Hours: 7am - 10am and 4pm - 7pm. A13 East India Dock Road, Hours: 7am - 7pm. Each of these roads were chosen to provide data on different characteristics along a suitable length of road.

Which lanes do not permit taxis?

Wherever possible Transport for London consider that taxis should be able to use bus lanes as they form a valuable contribution to public transport in London. However there are some cases where for safety or capacity reasons it is not possible to allow taxis in bus lanes - primarily these are likely to be contraflow bus lanes. These lanes are clearly marked. Taxis are only prohibited from approximately 10% of bus lanes in the Capital.

Why don't the bus lane cameras flash?

The roadside cameras do not flash as they are constantly recording using video cameras for the hours of operation of the bus lane.

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Translated information

Can I get translated information telling me about parking in London, traffic rules and how to avoid getting a Penalty Charge Notice?

Yes. We have produced a leaflet called "Know the rules" that provides this information. It is available in the following languages:

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Public Holiday enforcement

Do you enforce the road network (red routes) on weekends, bank and public holidays?

Yes, we enforce the red routes on weekends and public or bank holidays. These periods become increasingly busy - especially with shops opening, so it is important to ensure the road is used appropriately and congestion kept to a minimum.  A PCN may be issued if you contravene the traffic regulations.

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