Red Route camera fines continue to hit London taxi drivers waiting for passengers and popping into shops
London’s cab drivers are facing mounting fines due to red route camera enforcement, with many penalised for brief stops to use facilities or enter shops.
Sam Houston, Senior Representative at the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA), has raised concerns over the number of drivers receiving penalty charge notices (PCNs) simply for stopping momentarily.
“Far too many members are getting tickets by camera because they have stopped briefly to go in a shop or use the toilet on a red route,” Houston said in TAXI Newspaper. “You are also not allowed to wait for a passenger, whether for an app booking or if the passenger wants to go in a shop.”
Red routes differ from yellow lines in that PCNs can be issued by camera enforcement immediately, without the need for a traffic warden. Yellow lines, in contrast, require a physical officer to issue a fine.
He criticised the increasing reliance on camera enforcement, which he believes is disproportionately affecting taxi drivers. Houston added: “Taking a few minutes to find somewhere decent to park can save you a lot more in the long run.”
In London, stopping on red routes without proper authorisation can result in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £160. This fine is reduced by 50% to £80 if paid within 14 days, but increases by 50% to £240 if not paid within 28 days.
Red routes are major roads marked by single or double red lines where stopping is heavily restricted to ensure smooth traffic flow. Double red lines indicate no stopping at any time, while single red lines permit stopping only during specified times, as indicated by nearby signs.
These restrictions are enforced through CCTV cameras and civil enforcement officers. Revenue from fines is reinvested into London’s transport network to improve safety and efficiency.
