Parking penalties are set to be graded by seriousness come 1 July in London with the introduction of a two-tier penalty system.
Blocking bus lanes and parking on pedestrian crossings in the capital will in future attract hefty £120 fines while lesser misdemeanours, such as parking on a yellow line, draw £80 tickets. Outer London will also see changes with £100 and £60 fines introduced depending on seriousness.
All fines will be reduced by 50% if paid within 14 days.
The parking fine review comes following a consultation carried out last year by Transport for London and London councils that found 80% of those questioned felt some parking offence should be more penalised than others.
London council chair Cllr Daniel Moylan said: “It tackles the concerns of Londoners who feel it unfair that a motorist overstaying a parking meter for a few minutes received the same penalty as someone causing gridlock at a busy junction.”
Parking is not the only penalty fine that has come under review. From 1 July drivers entering box junctions when their exits are blocked will be fined £120 across London, up £20 from the current fine.