The total revenue Redbridge Council receives from Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) has doubled over five years, rising from just under £10 million in 2021 to nearly £20 million in 2025.
PCNs are civil fines issued to motorists, typically by councils, for contraventions of parking restrictions, waiting restrictions, and, in some areas, certain moving traffic offences.
This increase outpaces that of the nearby boroughs of Newham, whose revenue from this source rose by 35%, as well as that of Hackney, whose PCN revenue decreased by 14% in the same time period, according to data from a series of Freedom Information Requests.
Incomplete datasets prevented direct comparison with other north-east London boroughs.
The rise in revenue has outpaced the rise in the total number of PCNs handed to motorists in Redbridge, which grew by 85%, going from 192,607 in 2021 to 357,082 in 2025.
The increase in revenue coincides with an expansion of controlled parking zones and – since last year – an increase in the amount charged to those issued with PCNs, although neither of these factors are exclusive to Redbridge.
It could also be partially explained by a rebound in the volume of traffic following the Covid-19 pandemic.
A spokesperson for Redbridge Council said: “Traffic and parking regulations exist to keep roads safe, manage traffic and ensure fair use of our road networks. Penalty Charge Notices are only issued where the law has been broken.
“The increase in the number of Penalty Charge Notices reflects high levels of illegal parking and active enforcement to ensure road safety, alongside a continued focus on prioritising the fair use and accessibility of our road network.
“All surplus revenue through the enforcement of Penalty Charge Notices is spent on transport projects, as required by law. This revenue covers the Council’s contribution to the Freedom Pass programme, which provides essential transport subsidies to older residents, helping them to maintain independence, and remain active within their communities.
“The revenue also supports road safety initiatives, and transport improvement schemes across the borough, which are designed to improve safety, reduce congestion, and create a fairer and more accessible transport environment for local people.”
The revenue collected from PCNs has been increasing across England, with record gains having been made last year.
London councils accounted for 46% of the total revenue collected from parking fines in the country.
Featured Image Credit: Boys in Bristol Photography, via Pexels
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