It is the ‘responsibility of drivers’ to read signs, Hackney Council argues in response to criticisms that its new traffic cameras are inadequately signposted.

The council has banned motorists from turning left during set times at one junction in the East London borough and installed a traffic enforcement camera.

The move was designed to help improve safety and the air quality outside of a local school.

The council has issued an estimated 14,000 fines since the measure was introduced in June, according to the Hackney Gazette.

This works out as £100,000 a week for the authority.

However, drivers have reportedly complained of poor signage at the junction and a lack of warning about the restrictions, which are in force between 7am-10am and 3pm-7pm.

A council spokesperson said the changes were part of its school streets initiative which is ‘improving air quality and making it easier and safer for families to walk and cycle to and from school.’

The spokesperson also defended the signs warning drivers they were not allowed to turn left.

‘The notices already meet all Department for Transport requirements, and we have now added additional signage to ensure all drivers comply and help make our children’s school journeys healthier,’ they said.

‘While it is the responsibility of drivers to read this signage and adhere to the road closures, we will of course listen to representations where a driver feels that a fine has been issued unfairly or received multiple fines during a short period.’