Harrow Council is consulting residents on proposals to increase parking fines, raising the question whether higher penalties will actually deter rule-breaking.
Currently, Harrow is classed as a Band B authority (higher £140, lower £90), but now considering moving to Band A (higher £160, lower £110) which would bring higher penalty charge notices (PCNs) for parking offences. Discounted rates still applying for payments made within 14 days. The change would not affect moving traffic contraventions, such as banned turns or box junction offences. The consultation runs until 26 Oct 2025.
The council argues that stronger penalties will encourage drivers to “think twice” before breaking the rules and could help make Harrow’s streets safer. But critics say this reads more like a case in favour of the increase than a neutral debate. It does not set out alternative approaches either, such as hiring more enforcement officers, improving signage, or running public awareness campaigns.
The effectiveness of the change may depend less on the fine itself and more on whether there are enough wardens, cameras, and monitoring in place to ensure a real risk of being penalised.
Practical issues add another layer: are there enough legal parking spaces, permit zones, or reliable public transport alternatives to make compliance realistic? Without these, some residents may see the fines as punishment rather than a genuine incentive to park responsibly.
The draft consultation further claims that nuisance parking “is in fact rising,” but does not provide supporting data, such as the number of PCNs issued or the volume of complaints received. Clear figures would help residents judge whether a tougher approach is justified.
Accessibility has also been questioned. At present, responses are being collected through an online survey, but campaigners say paper copies, translations, or alternative formats should be made available to ensure all residents can participate.
Residents can take part in the consultation by completing the survey on the council’s website before the deadline. The key question remains: will bigger fines actually solve Harrow’s parking problems – or simply raise more revenue without addressing the underlying causes?
Currently, Harrow is classed as a Band B authority (higher £140, lower £90), but now considering moving to Band A (higher £160, lower £110) which would bring higher penalty charge notices (PCNs) for parking offences. Discounted rates still applying for payments made within 14 days. The change would not affect moving traffic contraventions, such as banned turns or box junction offences. The consultation runs until 26 Oct 2025.
The council argues that stronger penalties will encourage drivers to “think twice” before breaking the rules and could help make Harrow’s streets safer. But critics say this reads more like a case in favour of the increase than a neutral debate. It does not set out alternative approaches either, such as hiring more enforcement officers, improving signage, or running public awareness campaigns.
The effectiveness of the change may depend less on the fine itself and more on whether there are enough wardens, cameras, and monitoring in place to ensure a real risk of being penalised.
Practical issues add another layer: are there enough legal parking spaces, permit zones, or reliable public transport alternatives to make compliance realistic? Without these, some residents may see the fines as punishment rather than a genuine incentive to park responsibly.
The draft consultation further claims that nuisance parking “is in fact rising,” but does not provide supporting data, such as the number of PCNs issued or the volume of complaints received. Clear figures would help residents judge whether a tougher approach is justified.
Accessibility has also been questioned. At present, responses are being collected through an online survey, but campaigners say paper copies, translations, or alternative formats should be made available to ensure all residents can participate.
Residents can take part in the consultation by completing the survey on the council’s website before the deadline. The key question remains: will bigger fines actually solve Harrow’s parking problems – or simply raise more revenue without addressing the underlying causes?
Harrow Monitoring Group 