A controversial road rule implemented last summer in Earlsfield amounted to the issuing of 300k fines, a recent enquiry has revealed.

The new layout, which prevented people turning left at the junction of Kimber Road and Twilley Street, caused backlash amongst motorists when it was introduced in July 2020.

These fines amounted to over £300,000 if paid in full, or half when paid within the discount period.

The layout was part of Earlsfield’s Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) scheme, which was designed to reduce traffic and make roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

However, some drivers complained that the signage gave little warning, and resulted in unfair fines.

Residents used to making the left turn argued that Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued by the camera installed could quickly rack up.

Kimber Rd, Sw18

Kimber Rd, Sw18

Members of the public requested refunds when the rule was suspended in September 2020, following the Council’s U-turn on the controversial LTN networks.

The Wandsworth Times can reveal that over 2300 PCNs were issued between July 23 and September 1, 2020.

These fines amounted to over £300,000 of fines, if paid in full, or half when paid within the discount period.

Between July 2020 and Jan 2021 over 1900 refunds were given, which amounted to more than £100,000.

Wandsworth resident Alex Mady challenged the penalty to London Tribunals and won. He said he was “shocked” by the outcome:

“I am really shocked at how the council has been dealing with the issue; in their reply to my first challenge they even blamed me for not seeing the sign, saying that motorists should always pay attention.

“I wonder how many motorists paid for the penalty?”

A spokesperson from the council said:

“There were two advance warning signs alerting motorists to this banned left turn and while London’s independent parking appeals adjudicator ruled in numerous cases that the signage was perfectly adequate, on reflection we accepted that some drivers could have been confused by the first approach sign and therefore agreed to cancel their tickets and refund the fines.

“In the period immediately after this decision we further amended the signage to make the situation clearer to motorists and, in line with our normal practice, gave drivers a two week grace period to give them additional time to familiarise themselves with the change. As a consequence we also cancelled all the fines incurred during this two week window.”