Graeme Dey

A consultation has been launched on increasing the penalty charge notice (PCN) – imposed on drivers who park illegally.

As it stands, there is a cost of £60, which is reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days.

But the consultation states that “this may not be a sufficient deterrent” to stop drivers from parking where they are not permitted.

It also proposes a two-tier charging system. One option could see PCNs increased to £80 for a lower charge and £100 for a higher one. A second would see fees increased to £100 and £120.

Drivers, however, would still enjoy a 50 per cent discount if they paid within two weeks.

The higher PCN could be applied to motorists who wrongly park in a disabled bay or a space marked for an electric vehicle. The consultation also asks if these charges should be imposed on people who double park or park on the pavement.

Transport minister Graeme Dey said that parking policies were “an essential part of traffic management”.

He said: “It’s been many years since parking penalty levels have been considered, and so it is important to consider now whether these levels meet their ultimate objective – to achieve 100% compliance with parking controls and therefore no penalty charges for drivers.

“I recognise parking fines are a contentious issue, however, parking policies are an essential part of traffic management that let local authorities keep our towns and cities moving.

“In doing so, we improve road safety, keep traffic moving and encourage active, sustainable and accessible walking and wheeling in our communities.”

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