PCN fine amounts
A council Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) is either a higher level or a lower level penalty, depending on how serious the contravention is: see higher and lower band PCNs. How much that is depends on where you are.
England outside London, and Wales
The government (in Wales, the Welsh Government) sets two bands. Each council chooses which band to use, and can use different bands in different parts of its area.
| Band | Higher level | Lower level |
|---|---|---|
| Band 1 | £60 | £40 |
| Band 2 | £70 | £50 |
These amounts have not changed since 31 March 2008. A council can only charge more with the Transport Secretary's permission: in August 2025 and August 2026, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council was allowed to trial London-level penalties on its seafront.
Bus lane and moving traffic penalties, where a council enforces them, are charged at the higher level.
London
London's penalties are set by the London boroughs together, through London Councils, with the Mayor of London's approval. Since 7 April 2025 they have been:
| Band | Higher level | Lower level |
|---|---|---|
| Band A | £160 | £110 |
| Band B | £140 | £90 |
Band A covers about 20 boroughs, parts of several others and some outer town centres; the rest of London uses Band B. Boroughs can ask to change band, so check London Councils' list or the borough's own website.
Bus lane and moving traffic penalties on borough roads are £160. On Transport for London's red routes, penalties are also £160.
Paying early or late
| Stage | Amount |
|---|---|
| Paid within the discount period | Half the penalty. The period is 14 days, or 21 days for a parking PCN sent by post from camera evidence. London bus lane and moving traffic PCNs have 14 days |
| Paid after the discount period | The full penalty |
| After a charge certificate | The penalty plus 50% |
| After the debt is registered at the Traffic Enforcement Centre | Plus an £11 court fee |
| If enforcement agents (bailiffs) are used | Plus their fees: £79 when the case is passed to them, and £247 more if they visit |
So a £70 penalty costs £35 if paid early, £105 after a charge certificate and £116 once registered at the court. A £160 London penalty costs £80, £240 and £251. Paying a PCN explains each step.
Clamping and removal
If your vehicle is clamped or towed away, you also pay to get it back, on top of the penalty:
| Charge | England outside London, and Wales | London |
|---|---|---|
| Release from a clamp | £40 | £100 |
| Removal (towing) | £105 | £280 |
| Storage, per day | £12 | £55 |
| Disposal | £50 | £100 |
To find out which band your council uses, see its parking pages: find your council's parking information.
This page was checked against the law in England and Wales on 22 October 2026. It is general guidance, not legal advice: see the legal disclaimer.