Transport for London (TfL) have finally reinstated the speed limits on the A20 near Sidcup after a year of disruption and countless tickets for drivers due to poor signage.
Since roadworks began to tackle flooding issues on a small section of the A20, the speed limit was reduced to 40mph in October last year. However, many drivers were fined, especially in the Christmas and New Year period, as many were unaware of the change, and at least one sign wrongly said the speed limit was still 50mph.
In January this year, a group of then-Conservative MPs including Louie French (MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup), Sir David Evennett (then MP for Bexleyheath and Crayford) and Sir Bob Neill (then MP for Bromley and Chislehurst) wrote to the Mayor of London demanding improve the signage in place and investigate the failure to better inform drivers of the lowered speed limit and cancel all potentially wrongly imposed fines. Frustratingly, only some of these demands were agreed to, and the total number of fines has still not been disclosed by either TfL or the Metropolitan Police.
Following work by the Member of Parliament for Old Bexley and Sidcup, Louie French MP, and London Assembly Member for Bexley and Bromley, Thomas Turrell AM, TfL confirmed in early October that the speed limits would be reinstated by the end of October. The speed limit was then reinstated on the week beginning the 21st October.
Louie French MP said:
"The Labour Mayor and TfL botched the temporary speed limit during these disruptive road works on the A20. As a result, hundreds of unsuspecting drivers (we still don’t know the total number) were fined and issued points on their driving licences. With some facing the possibility of losing their licence, this mess has upset many.
"I'm pleased that, at last, Transport for London has confirmed the original speed limits on the A20 near Sidcup will soon be restored. But I know many drivers continue to battle fines in court. TfL must learn from this debacle to ensure drivers aren't given mixed messages on speed limits and that our roads are as safe as possible”.
Thomas Turrell added:
“I am pleased that these speed limits have finally been reinstated. There are clearly a lot of lessons to be learnt from this debacle and the need to better communicate with local people when these kinds of works are going on. I hope Transport for London and the Mayor will learn these lessons so that this situation is not repeated again.”
