Road Signage Probe Launched After Thousands Fined on South London Road

A South London road’s speed limit is under review, after many drivers were fined there last year. The A20 Sidcup bypass had a 40mph limit set temporarily, from October 2023 to October 2024.

A transport chief will look into this situation. Seb Dance agreed to talk about residents’ worries, after Thomas Turrell stated many drivers got fines and points on their licenses.

Turrell claimed TfL didn’t correctly set up the limit. Dominic Smith stated that he received many calls about offences, with people asking about driving issues there.

Turrell spoke at a city hall meeting, stating some questions remain unanswered and that affected people felt ignored by TfL. He asked Dance to discuss their concerns.

In response, Dance said he is happy to meet with Turrell, knowing many people are interested, and that they checked if correct procedures were followed.

Dance understands procedures were followed correctly; however, a Crown Court case is also happening now, and because plaintiffs belong to that legal process, limits exist on what he can discuss.

The London Assembly voted for an investigation, passing a motion last month that said TfL put up the wrong signs during the speed limit’s active period.

TfL cited flooding to justify the temporary limit. They also noted someone put up an unauthorized 50mph sign last January while the 40mph limit was in place.

A TfL spokesperson stated that they installed compliant, new signs, letting drivers know the new speed limit. They reiterated that someone illegally placed a 50mph sign, not authorized by TfL, which endangered drivers.

According to TfL, they quickly replaced the incorrect 50mph sign with the correct 40mph signage, and that all other signs matched regulations.