Transport for London revenue soars due to fining drivers on major roads
Figures compared to 2019 saw income rise by some 57%
Transport for London's income has risen significantly thanks to fining drivers using major roads in the capital.
Figures seen by the Press Association news agency found during the 2023/24 fiscal year found that TfL had received ÂŁ89.3 million from offences on its red route network.
This figure was an increase of 57% compared to the previous report from the 2018/19 financial year, which saw ÂŁ56.8 million being raised.
Insurance and breakdown specialists the AA found that the increase in revenue came thanks to the likes of more sophisticated CCTV cameras.
They also attributed the rise in funds to the authority's decision to raise the cost of a penalty charge notice from ÂŁ130 to ÂŁ160 in January 2022.
AA head of roads policy Jack Cousens said: "Dick Whittington would now say that London's streets are paved with fines.
"So massive is the income from road traffic enforcement on London's red routes that to lose it would leave a huge black hole in TfL finances.
"It seems TfL may need drivers to offend and generate income instead of complying with road rules."
However, TfL said that the increase in costs were "essential" so that traffic is able to move more "safely and efficiently" across the capital.
Penalty charge notices are issued when motorists illegally use the red routes, such as driving in bus lanes, or parking in yellow boxes.
In total, 367 miles of London's roads form part of the red routes, meaning income from fines reached an average of nearly ÂŁ244,000 per mile in 2023/24.
Siwan Hayward, TfL's director of security, policing and enforcement, said: "We are committed to keeping London moving safely and efficiently, and reducing delays on London's red routes, which is also essential to ensuring a reliable bus network for everyone.
"Compliance on red routes is vital in achieving these aims, and non-compliance disrupts traffic - creating congestion and safety risks for everyone - and impacts London's air quality."