46Hard

Stopped where prohibited on a red route or clearway

Typical fine levels

This contravention is typically enforced at Band A (higher level). Amounts are shown as reduced (paid promptly) / full.

Standard parking contravention fine amounts by band and region
Band	Outside London	London
Band A (higher)Typical for this code	£50 / £100	£65 / £130
Band B (lower)	£25 / £50	£50 / £100

Fine amounts vary by council. The amounts shown are the standard levels set under the Civil Enforcement of Parking Contraventions regulations. Always check the exact amount on your Penalty Charge Notice.

The fine amount for this code varies significantly. TfL (Transport for London) red route PCNs are £160 full / £80 reduced. Council-issued red route PCNs outside London follow standard Band A rates (£70 full / £35 reduced typically). Always check the issuing authority on your PCN. London red route PCNs issued by TfL are £160 (reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days) — significantly higher than standard council PCNs. Outside London, standard Band A rates apply.

Overview

Your vehicle stopped, waited or parked on a red route or clearway where stopping is prohibited. Red routes are marked with single or double red lines. Double red lines mean no stopping at any time. Single red lines mean no stopping during the hours shown on nearby signs.

From the warden's perspective

Warden's note

Red routes are the most strictly enforced roads in the country. Double reds operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — there are no exemptions for loading, no Blue Badge exemptions, and no grace period. Single reds have signed hours — check the sign carefully. Unlike yellow lines, you cannot load on a double red line. Licensed taxis can stop briefly to set down or pick up passengers. CCTV is the primary enforcement method on red routes — you may not receive the PCN until weeks later.

Common mistakes

Grounds councils sometimes get wrong — worth checking against your PCN and evidence pack.

Assumed loading was permitted — it is not on double red lines
Blue Badge assumed to give exemption — it does not on double reds
Single red hours not checked before stopping
PCN received weeks later by post — CCTV enforcement
Assumed brief stop was permitted

Your rights

For single red lines — check the hours on the signs. If the restriction was not in force at the time, challenge. For double red lines — grounds are very limited. Defective or missing road markings, or a genuine emergency where you had no choice but to stop, are the main challenge grounds. If you received the PCN by post (CCTV), check it was issued within 28 days of the contravention.