DRIVERS who park at bus stops, on pedestrian crossings or in safety zones outside schools are to be hit with higher fines.

Motorists are being reminded the country's first city-wide two-tier parking penalty scheme will be introduced in London on July 1.

In inner London, the scheme will see motorists hit with a £120 fine for more serious parking offences and £80 for lesser ones such as overstaying on parking meters.

The penalties will be £100 and £60 in outer London. All fines will be reduced by 50 per cent if paid within 14 days.

The introduction of the scheme follows an extensive consultation with the public and motoring organisations.

This was carried out last year by London Councils, which represents the capital's 33 boroughs, and Transport for London.

More than 80 per cent of those who responded to the consultation said acts of illegal parking should be penalised more heavily.

Drivers who wrongly use bus lanes, block a box junction or go through a No Entry sign will be fined £120.

Lorry company operators and drivers breaking the London Lorry Control Scheme will receive £550 and £120 penalties, respectively.