Over the past few years, London’s motorists have been hit with staggering fines, amounting to over £200 million, for driving through low-traffic eco-zones.
This new revelation comes amid public outrage over Sadiq Khan’s recent knighthood and is fueling further controversy over his policies.
Penalties Piling Up for Drivers
Since the beginning of the 2022/2023 financial year, nearly two million penalty charges have been issued to drivers across London for entering low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs).
The fines have nearly doubled from £95 million between 2019 and 2022 to a whopping £229.8 million, according to data obtained through freedom of information requests.
Each fine typically amounts to £130, but it is reduced to £65 if paid promptly.
The total revenue raised so far is estimated at £85.7 million, with more councils responding to the data request this time around, showing the growing scale of this issue.
The Growing Controversy of LTNs
Low-traffic neighbourhoods have been popping up all over London since the pandemic, designed to reduce car traffic and make cities more pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly.
These zones often involve physical barriers, like bollards or planters, and employ number plate recognition cameras to catch offenders.
However, many critics argue that LTNs have actually caused more traffic congestion in surrounding areas.
While Sadiq Khan has been a strong proponent, stating that they benefit pedestrians and cyclists, others believe the scheme is more about generating revenue for the city.
Rising Complaints About the Scheme
The new data is fueling criticism of the mayor’s leadership.
The TaxPayers’ Alliance (TPA), which uncovered the figures, argued that drivers are becoming increasingly frustrated by the rapid expansion of LTNs and the fines that come with them.
They’re calling for a reform of the system to ensure that fines aren’t immediately issued, but only after several warnings and a reasonable grace period.
In fact, Hackney Council issued the highest number of fines, almost 400,000 in just two and a half years, generating over £14 million in revenue.
The borough has the largest share of its area covered by LTNs, with half of the area now part of the eco-zones.
The Impact on Councils and the Public
Other councils have also seen significant revenue from these fines.
Haringey, for instance, issued 311,975 fines, while Lambeth handed out nearly 248,000.
These figures show how quickly the costs are adding up for drivers and the government’s growing reliance on these schemes for revenue.
Elliot Keck, from the TPA, described the situation as a “get rich quick” scheme for councils.
He warned that unless there are reforms, the perception of LTNs as beneficial could quickly turn into resentment from drivers who feel unfairly targeted.
City Hall’s Defense of the Scheme
The Mayor’s office has defended the LTNs, stating that they are designed to improve air quality, encourage more walking and cycling, and make streets safer for everyone.
Research, they claim, shows that well-planned LTNs lead to an overall reduction in traffic, fewer road casualties, and less crime.
They also say that LTNs help reduce emissions and enable young people to be more active.
But despite this, the increasing number of fines, and the growing backlash from residents, point to the fact that the debate over LTNs is far from over.
With the continuing expansion of these zones, it seems London’s drivers may face even more financial penalties in the future.
Breakdown of the Fines by Borough
Here’s a look at the fines issued across various London boroughs:
- Hackney: 396,902 fines, generating £14.4 million in revenue
- Haringey: 311,975 fines, generating £12.2 million
- Lambeth: 247,948 fines, generating £11.1 million
- Islington: 293,269 fines, generating £10.5 million
- Hounslow: 221,674 fines, generating £12.8 million
In total, 1.96 million fines were issued, bringing in a revenue of £85.7 million across 26 of London’s 33 councils.
The Way Forward
As the controversy rages on, the future of low-traffic neighbourhoods in London seems uncertain.
Will councils adjust their approach to reduce the financial burden on drivers? Only time will tell, but for now, the fines continue to roll in.