Drivers Face Fines Despite Faulty Speed Limit Sign on A20 Eastbound
The Metropolitan Police Prosecution Team has said that a sign with the wrong 50mph speed limit on the A20 would have “not impacted” the enforcement of the 40mph average speed limit previously introduced by TfL.
On Wednesday January 24, the Metropolitan Police was told that a 50mph sign had been placed by a third-party on a section of the eastbound A20 in Sidcup by a where the speed limit had recently been reduced to 40mph.
The 50mph sign, which has since been removed, was not placed there by the Metropolitan Police or Transport for London and police are investigating this as an attempt to “pervert the course of justice”.
The Met’s prosecutions team, which deals with speeding offences, has taken legal advice and says the location of the 50mph sign would “not have impacted the enforcement of the 40mph average speed limit”.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “If a motorist were to have travelled through the section that is signed as 40mph at the maximum permitted speed of 40mph, then sped up to 50mph after seeing the now removed 50mph sign, their average speed of the section covered by cameras would not have resulted in them being issued with a speeding ticket.”
Despite this, a number of drivers have received Notice of Intended Prosecutions (NIPs) after reportedly speeding along the A20 Eastbound.
Some have said they are at risk of losing their jobs, homes, and driving licenses.
A Facebook group dedicated to supporting those who have received speeding fines on this particular stretch of the A20 was created on January 17, 2024, and more than 200 people have joined – with members increasing by the minute.
“We had more than 100 people when we set it up, and nine days later, we have 245 members”, Facebook group creator Becky Seymore added.
Members have expressed their frustrations and worries regarding the speeding tickets, just like Simon Routledge, who was “dumbfounded” when he received his NIP, after he has driven “up and down” what he thought was a 50mph zone many times for work.
On January 7, 2024, Simon was returning from a snooker competition in Petts Wood when he was caught speeding on this stretch of the A20 at 54mph.
He told the UKNIP: “It’s my mistake; I presumed the road was 50mph.
“I drove down yesterday, and I could see the 40mph zone signs, but they’re about three foot high.
“Originally the road was a 70mph zone, then 50mph.
“I was doing 54mph, but now it’s saying I was doing 14 miles over the speed limit – I am not a mad driver and have had no convictions.”
A collective group of elected representatives across south east London and Kent have since written to the Mayor of London and Commissioner of Transport for London to discuss the “temporary” speeding measures on the A20 Eastbound in Sidcup.
Eleven MPs and one GLA said that the communication of the temporary change of speed limits has been “poor”, as the majority of people heard about the changes through email enquiries and a freedom of information request.
The elected representatives are now challenging the Mayor of London to “take the following actions immediately to resolve this ongoing mess” including: “1) Confirm the dates when the road safety works will begin and when the “temporary” speed limit will be ended.
“2) Confirm what steps you are taking to improve the signage for drivers and what proactive communications you are taking to ensure Satellite Navigation systems are updated.
“3) Confirm how many speeding fines have been issued on this stretch of road since the cameras and new speed limits were installed. Please treat this as a freedom of information request if you are not willing to be transparent.
“4) Request that the police cancel all speeding fines and license points directly linked to this ongoing issue, especially those where drivers were travelling 50mph and under.”
TfL last issued an update to the UKNIP on January 26, which stated that the signage has been “reviewed” and found that an “incorrect” 50mph sign has been recently placed at this location by an unauthorised third party.
“This has been replaced with the correct 40mph signage and we are investigating how the incorrect sign was installed”, the TfL spokesperson added.
TfL has been contacted for another comment since.
Chemical Attack Victim May Lose Sight in Right Eye, Police Say
A mum who was the victim of a chemical attack with her two kids in Clapham may lose sight in her right eye, police have said.
The 31-year-old and her daughters, aged eight and three, were attacked in Lessar Avenue at 7.25pm on January 31.
They were taken to hospital following the incident in which a man threw a corrosive alkaline substance at them.
In the latest update issued today (February 5) by Metropolitan Police Commander Jon Savell, added the mum remains in a “very critical but stable condition” where she suffered significant facial injuries that will “impact her for the rest of her life”.
She may lose the sight in her right eye after the attack – while her daughters have since been discharged from hospital.
Police continue to search for chemical attack suspect Abdul Ezedi who was last seen on Southwark Bridge at 9.50pm on January 31.
Investigators are trawling through hundreds of hours of CCTV and have tracked Ezedi’s movements on the Tube network via his bank card.
A man was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender where he was taken to a south London custody suite.
He has since been bailed.
Counter-terrorism officers are helping sift through CCTV as part of the manhunt following the attack.
Detective Superintendent Rick Sewett, who was also at the briefing, said that police are still trying to establish the relationship between Ezedi and the injured woman.
The discovery of his mobile phone has helped detectives understand their connection, but the motive behind the attack remains unclear.
It was confirmed that Ezedi is not the father of the woman’s children who were also injured during the attack.
A reward of up to £20,000 was previously on offer for information leading to the arrest of Abdul Ezedi.
Anyone with information about Ezedi is asked to call 020 7175 2784 or for an immediate sighting dial 999.
To remain anonymous, please contact the independent charity Crimestoppers.
Man Charged with Six Counts of Attempted Murder After Setting Fire to Police Officers and Firefighter in Leicester
Ako Faraji, 27, has been charged with six counts of attempted murder following an alarming incident in Leicester where he allegedly set five police officers and a firefighter on fire using a flammable liquid. The harrowing event occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning. According to Leicestershire Police, Ako Faraji threw the flammable liquid […]
Sussex Police Launches ‘Stronger, Safer, Crawley’ Initiative to Deter Crime
In a significant push to bolster community safety, Sussex Police, in collaboration with various partners, have launched innovative schemes in Crawley, marking a notable step in their ongoing efforts to deter crime and strengthen local policing.
Over two action-packed days, the Crawley Neighbourhood Policing Teams introduced the ‘engagement pod’ in High Street alongside the initiative ‘Stronger, Safer, Crawley’. This strategic move aims to enhance police visibility in the area, serving as a deterrent to potential criminal activities and as a base for operations targeting serious and organized crime within the town center.
Highlighting these efforts, a major operation took place on Friday, 26 January, as part of the Neighbourhood Policing Week of Action. Sussex Police joined forces with Trading Standards, HM Revenue & Customs, the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU), Crawley Borough Council, and specialist search dogs to inspect seven premises in Crawley for illegal tobacco, counterfeit vapes, and other fraudulent goods.
The operation led to the seizure of thousands of pounds worth of illegal cigarettes and vapes, including items suspected of being fraudulently traded, illegally imported, or posing health and safety risks. Additionally, a concealed stash containing £10,000 was discovered and seized by officers. Running concurrently, the ‘Stronger, Safer, Crawley’ operation saw both plain-clothed and uniformed officers patrolling the area, resulting in 11 stop searches and the confiscation of Class A and Class B drugs.
Further extending their community engagement, on Tuesday, 31 January, the engagement pod opened its doors to partners and the public. This initiative, supported by Sussex Police and West Sussex County Council’s Community Safety Team, provided a unique opportunity for residents to interact directly with officers, PCSOs, and county council staff, allowing them to voice concerns and seek advice on safety issues.
Photo – Sussex Police Superintendent Nick Dias said: “The multi-functional use of the pod is perfect for what we wanted.
“Residents should be able to go to the pod and see a face if they have any questions. These days show that it won’t just be Sussex Police who will be there for answers, but also representatives from our partners.
“The day of action with Trading Standards was a fantastic result and it shows our commitment to keeping shoppers safe with legal products.”
Councillor Duncan Crow, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue, said: “As a resident of Crawley and elected member for the area, I am pleased to support the Safer Stronger Crawley initiative that has been running since November 2023 and the actions being taking in the town centre to make it a safer place for people to go about their daily lives.
“The co-ordinated work being done by the County Council’s Trading Standards, Community Safety Team and Early Help Service, alongside Crawley Borough Council Licencing, the Probation Service, and Sussex Police shows what can be done when agencies collaborate and work together for Crawley residents. I look forward to seeing the positive impact Safer Stronger Crawley brings in the coming months.”
Read more on www.Sussex.News
Uckfield Family Appeals for Help After Heinous Burglary
In an incident that unfolded Saturday night (3th February 2024) at around 8:30 pm, a family in Uckfield has been left reeling after burglars broke into their home, making off with a collection of invaluable and deeply sentimental items. The victims have taken to Facebook in a heartfelt appeal for public assistance, hoping to recover their cherished possessions and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The thieves believed to be teenagers around 16-17 years old, according to police, managed to steal a variety of items, ranging from electronics to personal keepsakes that hold irreplaceable sentimental value to the family. Among the stolen goods was a Longine watch, a precious heirloom belonging to the homeowner’s late father, alongside his cufflinks. Additionally, Jakki’s beloved Pandora gifts and watch were taken, alongside laptops, cash, a smartwatch, designer sunglasses, and more.
Adding insult to injury, the burglars also made off with a highly distinctive green Gant puffer jacket, a piece that the family believes could lead to identifying the thieves if spotted.
It is also believed it could be linked to another Burgary in Hailsham earlier that evening.
The family’s plight has struck a chord with the community, as they share their story in hopes that the visibility will aid in recovering some of the irreplaceable items and possibly lead to information that can result in an arrest. The crime reference provided for any tips or leads is 47240022943.
As the family navigates through this challenging time, they hold onto hope that with the help of the community and local authorities, they may be able to reclaim some of their lost memories and see justice served for this heinous act.
Read more on www.Sussex.News
Central Cee Hits the Streets of Brighton
Renowned rapper Central Cee was seen making waves in Brighton on Tuesday, February 7th, as fans spotted him at various hotspots across the city. The music sensation’s presence in the seaside town drew excitement and buzz, especially on social media where sightings were quickly shared.
Credit @Imjustbrighton Central Cee, known for his sharp lyrics and dynamic beats, was observed strolling through East Street and West Street, among other locations.
While it remains unclear what brought the rapper to Brighton. Fans speculated about potential music video shoots or simply a leisurely visit to one of the UK’s most beloved coastal destinations.
Read more on www.Sussex.News
King Charles Diagnosed with Cancer: Buckingham Palace Issues Shock Announcement
Buckingham Palace has confirmed the distressing news that King Charles has been diagnosed with a form of cancer. The announcement comes shortly after the monarch underwent corrective surgery on January 26 for an enlarged prostate. King Charles had previously sought medical attention for an enlarged prostate, with Buckingham Palace stating on January 16, stating, “In […]
Man Arrested for Assisting an Offender as Hunt for Abdul Ezedi Intensifies
ChatGPT The relentless search for Abdul Shokoor Ezedi continues to gain momentum, with a new development today as a 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. This arrest comes as authorities remain committed to bringing Ezedi to justice, and a new CCTV image of Ezedi’s last known sighting has been released. The […]
Second Fatal Victim Confirmed in M25 Collision in Hertfordshire Police Chase
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Officers investigating two reports of sexual assault in a fast-food restaurant in Maidstone have released a CCTV image of a man they woul…
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