Unlawful A20 Speed Limit Fines Raise £6.6m

Thousands of drivers were issued speeding fines on the A20 after Transport for London (TfL) temporarily reduced the speed limit from 70mph to 40mph. The measure, intended to last for a year while safety work was completed, resulted in over 60,000 drivers being caught and fined in the first six weeks alone, raising £6.6 million for TfL. Many drivers paid the £100 penalty, though some questioned the adequacy of signage announcing the new limit.

Lack of Formal Authority

The legality of the fines has been called into question following an acquittal at Kingston Crown Court. Documents presented in court revealed that a TfL employee authorised the speed limit reduction without possessing the necessary formal authority. This procedural flaw means the speed restriction was technically unenforceable. Assembly members and driver advocacy groups have called for a review of how the traffic regulation orders were handled, arguing that drivers who received fines, penalty points, or lost their licences deserve scrutiny of the process.

Mayor's Response

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has denied any suggestion of a cover-up or that TfL misled the public. A spokesperson for the Mayor stated to The Telegraph that it is incorrect to suggest any misleading occurred and that TfL remains confident enforcement was necessary due to safety risks. The spokesperson added that no wrongdoing was alleged by the court, traffic regulation orders were made lawfully, and all TfL staff acted with authorisation.

TfL Stance on Precedent

A TfL spokesperson told The Telegraph that the Crown Court case does not establish a binding precedent for other cases. The organisation stated it would support the Metropolitan Police in opposing upcoming appeals. TfL reiterated that safety is its primary concern and the temporary 40mph limit on A20 Sidcup Road was introduced in response to serious incidents caused by flooding, which posed a risk to life.