Westminster CCTV Enforcement
Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras are used to detect vehicles which are parked illegally and cause obstructions to other drivers. Motorists detected by camera will receive their Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) through the post instead of finding it on their vehicle.
CCTV enforcement will operate alongside enforcement carried out by Parking Attendants. CCTV footage may also be used to provide evidence to the police for criminal offences and against drivers who abuse our Parking Attendants.
There are 4 ways in which we use CCTV to carry out enforcement:
Parking contraventions
CCTV cameras are used to detect and fine vehicles that are parked illegally and are causing obstructions to other drivers. This helps to reduce congestion and provides consistent, evidence based enforcement and acts as a visible car crime deterrent.
Trained, experienced CCTV Operators will issue a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) by observing and video-recording potential offenders. Once the Operator determines that a contravention has occurred, a PCN will be sent to the registered keeper of the vehicle by post.
CCTV enforcement operates alongside our Parking Attendants. Motorists detected by camera receive their PCN through the post rather than having it attached to their vehicle.
Penalty Charge Notices
If you receive a PCN through the post, please do not ignore it.
When a Penalty Charge Notice is issued, motorists will be given an opportunity to either pay the PCN or challenge it in writing.
You can also view images and footage related to you PCN online. You will require the Penalty Charge Reference number (found on the PCN) and your vehicle registration number.
Moving traffic contraventions
Moving Traffic Contraventions are listed in the Highway Code. They include contraventions such as entering a road through a ‘No entry’ sign, driving into pedestrian zones, and making right or left turns when advised not to do so. The signs below indicate all of these.
We also enforce box junctions, so please ensure that you do not enter one unless you are turning right, or your exit is clear.
What are these contraventions?
Here is a list of the contraventions we enforce, accompanied by the relevant sign motorists will see in the street. All vehicles are prohibited except non – mechanically propelled vehicles being pushed by pedestrians (these are vehicles that do not have an engine such as bicycles, rickshaws, horse and cart).
Smart Cars
Smart Cars were introduced in Central London on 2nd January 2007 to monitor road safety problem areas. The cars will complement the existing network of CCTV cameras and Parking Attendants.
The Smart Cars will enforce both moving traffic contraventions and parking contraventions through the capture of moving images. These could provide compelling evidence for dangerous parking, particularly around schools and at busy junctions where parking is prohibited.
Other anticipated benefits of the scheme:
- Reduction in challenges to PCNs issued by CCTV
- Visual evidence that a contravention has occurred and that our enforcement operation is carried out correctly and fairly
- Increases Parking Attendant safety (provides evidence of any abuse)
Motorists parked in contravention will receive notices through the post detailing the contravention. You can also view images and footage related to you PCN online. You will require the Penalty Charge Reference number (found on the PCN) and your vehicle registration number.
Bus lanes
Only buses, bicycles, black cabs and vehicles with capacity for 8 or more passengers are allowed to drive or stop in a bus lane during its operational hours. Motorcycles are allowed in some bus lanes.
If you drive or stop in a bus lane when you are not allowed to do so, you may be issued with an Enforcement Notice
Bus Lanes which allow motorcycles are at these locations:
- Cockspur Street - Eastbound
- Kensington Road / Kensington Gore
- Baker Street / Portman Square / Orchard Street
- Haymarket
- Bayswater Road
- Piccadilly - Eastbound
- Gloucester Place - Northbound
We have signs at the entry to the bus lanes showing which vehicles are allowed to use them. The bus lanes have special road surface markings and are given red tarmac so they are highly visible to motorists.
Here are some examples of the signs that tell you which vehicles are allowed in bus lanes during operational hours. You will still be able to cross the bus lane to reach an adjacent road.
Enforcement Notices
If you receive an Enforcement Notice through the post, please do not ignore it. Motorists will be given an opportunity to either pay the Enforcement Notice or challenge it in writing. The procedures are exactly the same as for Penalty Charge Notices.
Westminster Council website