Mark Whitehead 01 February 2023

Council hands back £100,000 of fines after road sign U-turn

Council hands back £100,000 of fines after road sign U-turn   image
Image: BasPhoto / Shutterstock.com.

Lambeth Council has handed back £100,000 to drivers who were fined because of its confusing road signs.

The south London authority issued 1,635 fines for motorists who used a road in Balham between May and November 2022.

Restrictions banning cars from the road during drop-off and pick-up times at a primary school came into force in spring 2022.

But they were removed after the council faced nearly 400 challenges from drivers claiming the signs were hard to read.

The Labour-led council at first rejected the appeals of all but 10 people, but has now done a U-turn and agreed to repay all fines.

Lambeth has permanent traffic restrictions around 20 schools across the borough. The first no-car zones were set up in 2019.

Liberal Democrats have branded the situation ‘shambolic’.

Donna Harris, councillor for the area where the road is said: ‘You have to ask, why didn't the council put the right signage up in the first place and why did it take them months to admit their mistake?’

A Lambeth Council spokesperson said: 'We acknowledged that the signage in place at this location, although compliant, needed better positioning. We have therefore taken the decision to refund any penalty charge notices issued and will cancel any that are outstanding.'

Banning urban pesticide use image

Banning urban pesticide use

RSPB and PAN are working on a letter from local councillors calling on the Government to introduce a national ban on urban pesticide use. Find out more below.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Social Worker / Experienced Social Worker

City of York Council
Grade 9 or 10 Level 1- 4 (£35,737 to £46,412 per annum)
We are excited to be welcoming applications for Social Workers to join our Assessment teams. York, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: City of York Council

Environmental Health Officer

North Yorkshire Council
£40,221 - £44,428
Are you passionate about protecting the environment and promoting public health? Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Principal Accountant x 2 Posts

Ashfield District Council
Up to £47,420 (Includes Market Forces Supplement)
We are looking for two motivated and ambitious finance professionals to join our high-performing team. Nottingham, Nottinghamshire / Kirkby in Ashfield
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council

Environmental Health Officer

North Yorkshire Council
£40,221 - £44,428
Are you passionate about protecting the environment and promoting public health? Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior Litigation Lawyer

London Borough of Merton
MGA - £57,600- £58,725 per annum inclusive plus £3000 Golden Hello
Spring is now upon us, and what better time to consider progressing your career. Merton, London (Greater)
Recuriter: London Borough of Merton
Linkedin Banner

Partner Content

Circular highways is a necessity not an aspiration – and it’s within our grasp

Shell is helping power the journey towards a circular paving industry with Shell Bitumen LT R, a new product for roads that uses plastics destined for landfill as part of the additives to make the bitumen.

Support from Effective Energy Group for Local Authorities to Deliver £430m Sustainable Warmth Funded Energy Efficiency Projects

Effective Energy Group is now offering its support to the 40 Local Authorities who have received a share of the £430m to deliver their projects on the ground by surveying properties and installing measures.

Pay.UK – the next step in Bacs’ evolution

Dougie Belmore explains how one of the main interfaces between you and Bacs is about to change.