A 50 per cent leap in the number of penalty charge notices (PCNs) being issued in London has led the FTA to call on its members to train their drivers in identifying PCN hotspots.

Companies delivering goods on the roadside in London typically attract PCNs, albeit quite innocently.  Although these are often successfully contested, which itself costs time and money, many are not and the industry still pays many millions of pounds in PCNs each year.

The PCN Survey 2012, commissioned by FTA, revealed that the 27 companies surveyed had paid £2.9 million in fines and a rise in costs which was directly related to the increase in the number of PCNs issued on the capital’s roads. 

The report explored trends in PCNs in relation to six key areas: enforcement authorities, PCN hotspots (street/location), whether issued by CCTV or a civil enforcement officer, contravention codes, appeals and costs.

Amongst the findings of the report was that one-third of the enforcement authorities accounted for nearly all PCNs issued (80 per cent), with the London Borough of Westminster, London Borough of Camden, City of London and Transport for London more likely to issue PCNs to FTA members than other London boroughs.

The survey also clearly identified locations where drivers were more likely to receive PCNs, providing valuable information for operators and drivers in respect of areas in which to look out for parking restrictions.