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An attempt to introduce £200 parking fines on the Olympic Route Network (ORN) and beyond has been defeated.

Operators working in the capital during the Games this summer had faced a hike in Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) from £130 to £200 on the ORN.

They had also faced the prospect of the fines being extended beyond the ORN to nearby roads, after London's boroughs decided it would help tackle congestion adjacent to the route.

While trade groups, including the FTA and Brewery Logistics Group were unanimous in their opposition, London Councils pushed ahead last month.

However, Mayor of London Boris Johnson has now vetoed both the increase in the ORN fine level and plan to extend it beyond the network, arguing current penalties are enough.

Natalie Chapman head of policy for London at the FTA welcomed the decision, which the association had written to the mayor to oppose.

“London is going to be an extremely difficult environment to work in during the Games with the added complication of the Olympic restrictions,” says Chapman.

“More PCNs would have put at risk [the ability for operators to make] deliveries into London during the Games. Anything that reduces this risk is good.”

A spokesman for London Councils confirmed the mayor's decision but declined to comment further.

Games Lane fine proposals still live

Confusingly, the Secretary of State for Transport Justine Greening is currently considering a proposal for a £200 fine for parking in Games Lanes on the ORN. This fine, if approved, will cover any temporary road restrictions (such as the Games Lanes and suspended parking bays) that will need to be put in specifically for the Games with permission from parliament. This will also cover moving contraventions such as restricted turns introduced during the competition period. A decision on this is expected within a month.

MT publisher Road Transport Media is holding a crucial Summer Freight Planning Conference at Wembley Stadium next week (22 March). Places for this must attend one-day event that will offer practical advice on delivering during the Games are filling up fast, so book now.

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