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otorists who fail to follow the rules on London’s Red Route roads could face an increased fine of £160 under new plans.
TfL has gone to the public on the plans which would increase the maximum fine on Red Routes from £130 to £160. If introduced, it would be the first increase in 10 years.
Red Routes, which TfL is responsible for managing, make up just five per cent of London’s roads but are some of the capital’s busiest, carrying up to 30 per cent of traffic.
Drivers can be fined for several reasons including for parking illegally, stopping in a box junction or driving in a bus lane.
Siwan Hayward, director of compliance and policing at TfL, said the proposed fine hike was “intended to increase compliance with the rules and make streets safer, cleaner and less congested for everyone”.
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The proposals form part of a wider crackdown on pollution and congestion within London, including last week’s announcement that the “temporary” increase to the Congestion Charge would be made permanent, though the hours of operation reduced.
TfL also recently announced the rollout of up to 50 new “smart cameras” across London’s roads that will help improve compliance with road rules and reduce road deaths.
Back in March, City Hall Greens proposed an amendment to the Mayor of London’s budget that called for the £30 increase to Red Route fines, highlighting that it could raise up to £20 million of revenue for London’s cash-strapped transport network.
But TfL has insisted this latest proposal is about making roads safer and cleaner, with Siwan Hayward adding that “we’d much rather people follow the rules than fine them”.
Red Routes, which are recognisable for their painted red lines, are designed to keep traffic flowing and prohibit drivers from stopping except for in designated areas.
A recent talk from the Centre for London thinktank highlighted that Red Routes are also some of the most dangerous and polluted in London, accounting for 37 per cent of all road traffic deaths and with pollution levels up to 57 per cent higher than average roads.
Londoners can have their say on the latest proposals by visiting TfL’s website, with the public consultation on Red Route fines open until September 19.
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/increased-fines-red-routes-tfl-b949357.html
