A recent incident involving a misplaced speed limit sign on the A20 Eastbound in Sidcup has left numerous drivers facing fines for speeding, despite claims that the erroneous sign would not have impacted enforcement measures.
The Metropolitan Police Prosecution Team has revealed that a 50mph sign, wrongly placed on the A20, would not have affected the enforcement of the 40mph average speed limit previously imposed by Transport for London (TfL).
The situation came to light on January 24, when authorities were alerted to the presence of the incorrect 50mph sign, believed to have been installed by a third party. Despite its subsequent removal, some motorists have received Notice of Intended Prosecutions (NIPs) for exceeding the speed limit.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police emphasized that motorists adhering to the 40mph limit within the camera-monitored section would not have been penalized, even if they encountered the erroneous sign.
However, frustrations among affected drivers continue to grow, with some expressing concerns about potential job loss, housing issues, and license revocations.
Becky Seymore, who created a Facebook group to support those fined on the A20, highlighted the rapid increase in membership, indicating widespread discontent among affected motorists.
Simon Routledge, one of the motorists issued an NIP, expressed his astonishment upon receiving the fine, noting his assumption that the road remained a 50mph zone, a belief shared by many other drivers.
Elected representatives from the region have intervened, calling upon the Mayor of London and Transport for London to address the situation urgently. They demand clarification on the temporary speed limit measures, improvements in signage communication, and transparency regarding the number of fines issued.
Transport for London has acknowledged the placement of the incorrect sign and assured that corrective measures have been taken, including the replacement of the sign with the appropriate 40mph signage. Investigations into the installation of the erroneous sign are ongoing.
As the issue unfolds, affected drivers await further updates and resolution from authorities to mitigate the repercussions of the misplaced speed limit sign on the A20 Eastbound in Sidcup.
