DRIVERS have been issued with a warning over a change to parking rules – which could impact thousands.
The new regulation, which came into effect on Sunday, could see unsuspecting motorists stung by hefty fines.
Customers will no longer use ‘pay and display’ machines at Southeastern railway stations[/caption]
Instead of drivers using “pay and display” machines at Southeastern railway stations, they will instead have to pay online.
This process will rely on new Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras – to gather location.
The move is designed to make things “quicker and easier” for drivers – who previously had to walk to the machine and back to their car to display their ticket.
This had the potential to cause last-minute travellers to miss their trains.
As well as online, customers will also be able to pay for parking at Ticket Vending Machines – at the same time as buying their train fare.
These generally accept card, cash, Apple Pay and Google Pay – although some do not accept cash.
Alicia Andrews, Commercial Director at Southeastern, said on Sunday: “We are continuing to invest in our stations and our car parks to make it simpler, easier and more welcoming to travel by train.
“Over the coming weeks, will be switching on the ANPR system at 42 stations across our network but changes to payment options will be in place at all Southeastern stations from today.”
She added: “This means all customers can immediately make use of the simpler and more convenient payment options available and instead of returning to their vehicle to pay and display everyone can simply pay for their parking at the same time as their ticket and be on their way.”
The new ANPR system will come into force at the end of March, Alicia said.
It comes as motorists were warned of another parking rule change – as some will soon be slapped with £160 fines.
The change will see penalty charge notices (PCNs) in London rising by £30.
Currently, in higher charge Band A areas, drivers can see penalties of up to £130 and in Band B areas drivers can be charged up to £110.
However, the change, signed off by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, will see Higher-level Band A charges increased to £160 and lower-tier fines will be raised from £80 to 110.
Meanwhile, higher-tier Band B charges will be raised to £140 and lower Band B charges will be raised to £90.
And bus lane and moving traffic penalties will also rise to £160.
The change comes after London Councils – the representatives for the capital’s local authorities – asked City Hall to stop “anti-social and obstructive parking”.
Ahead of the increase in fines, City Hall have said: “PCNs are a vital way we keep London moving by deterring inconsiderate driving and protecting road space such as disabled bays”.
PCN rises in London
PCNs will rise in London as City Hall hopes to cover enforcement costs.
Here are all of the PCNs which will rise in London:
Band A:
Higher level, rising from £130 to £160
Lower level, rising from £80 to £110
Band B:
Higher level, rising from £110 to £140
Lower level, rising from £60 to £90
Bus lane and moving traffic penalties
These fares will rise from £130 to £160
A full new system of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras comes into effect in March[/caption]
