Drivers could be set for MILLIONS in fine refunds after landmark penalty charge ruling
DRIVERS could be set for millions in fine refunds after a landmark penalty charge ruling.
A panel of lawyers found that Transport for London “broke the law” by using CCTV rather than traffic wardens to fine drivers.
Now motorists across the UK could use the London Tribunals judgment to appeal CCTV fines.
Between June 2022 and March 2023, TfL lost 420 cases where it relied on CCTV as evidence for fines appealed by drivers.
The tribunal said that the ruling does not set a legal precedent – but “adjudicators may take previous decisions into consideration before reaching a conclusion”.
Its decision covered eight appeals by drivers who were fined for stopping in parking bays on “red routes” – the roaring thoroughfares which carry a third of London’s traffic.
The Telegraph reports that TfL slaps drivers with about 435,000 PCNs every year.
Assuming every £160 fine is paid in full, TfL nets £69million each year from the fines.
Now it could end up having to pay back a large chunk of that sum – if London drivers convince courts that the ruling applies to them.
Motorists across the country could also use the London Tribunals ruling to appeal fines from their council.
TfL said: “We are committed to keeping London moving safely and efficiently.
“Compliance on the Transport for London Road Network is essential to achieving these aims.
“Enforcement by our compliance officers using CCTV cameras is an important part of tackling this and we are exploring next steps.
“Non-compliance impacts London’s air quality, creates safety risks, disrupts traffic and creates congestion for everyone.”
A spokesman added that “existing PCNs will not be revoked at this stage”.
It comes as diesel drivers will be charged up to three times more for parking in a London borough – in a double blow after the Ulez expansion.