Drivers caught breaking the rules on one of London's 'red routes' will face considerably higher fines from today.

Transport for London is increasing the penalty charge from £130 to £160 for drivers not abiding by restrictions in the capital's 'no stopping' zones.

London's network of red routes are identified with painted double red lines on the road.

They stretch across the entire capital and make up only 5% of the capital's total road length but carry more than 30% of the city's traffic.

The routes are monitored by Transport for London and are designed with tougher restrictions to keep traffic through the capital's busiest and most important routes moving.

Signs and road markings along the red routes tell drivers what they can and can't do.

Fines can be issued for offences such as parking illegally in loading bays, blocking yellow box junctions, making a turn where this movement in banned which creates a risk for pedestrians and cyclists, driving, parking or stopping in a bus lane or stopping on a red route.

TfL says raising the Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) will ensure more people comply with the restrictions in place alongside reducing road dangers and congestion.

It has also stressed that fines for contraventions on the red route network have not increased for more than 10 years, having last been raised in April 2011 from £120 to £130.

Siwan Hayward, TfL's director of compliance, policing, operations and security, said: "We are committed to keeping London moving safely and efficiently, and compliance on the Transport for London road network is essential in achieving those aims.

"Non-compliance impacts London's air quality, creates safety risks, disrupts traffic and creates congestion for everyone.

"Increasing the penalty charge for contraventions on our road network in line with inflation will provide a more effective deterrent to drivers and improve the safety and reliability of the network."

Between 2016 and 2019 there was a 26% leap in the number of PCNs issued for road offences in London.

Motorists slapped with a £160 fine will still be able to have the amount they are charged reduced by 50% if they pay within 14 days – the sum will also increase by 50% if it is paid after 28 days.

The increase will bring the charges in line with the penalties for non-payment of the Congestion Charge and the Ultra-Low Emission Zone, which are also currently set at £160.

But motoring organisation The AA is among those to have hit out at the hike.

President Edmund King said: “There is no justification for increasing Penalty Charge Notice (fines) amounts from £130 to £160 on London roads managed by Transport for London – a view endorsed by nearly two thirds of respondents to the consultation.

“The AA fully accepts the need for fair and effective road traffic enforcement to deter selfish and illegal driving that impedes other road users, reduces the effectiveness of the road network, disrupts business and can lead to increased emissions.

“However, enforcement needs to be fair, proportionate and allow discretion while creating a deterrent. The AA believes that £130 fines are sufficient to provide deterrence.”