Fined drivers blame 'inadequate' signs at speed trap

Kent drivers caught speeding on a stretch of road in London say they will challenge the penalties due to "inadequate" signage.

Users of a stretch of the eastbound A20 in Sidcup, between Sandy Lane and Cookham Lane, said the problems began last autumn when the speed limit was reduced from 70mph to 40mph.

Natalie Houston, from New Romney, who was hit with one charge on the road, said she heard stories of people losing their licence because of the "horrendous" situation.

Transport for London (TfL) says the signage is correct and compliant with regulations.

The Metropolitan Police found one incorrect 50mph sign was displayed for several days at the end of January, but was put up by a third party, according to TfL.

It is thought to have led to hundreds of people getting speeding tickets.

TfL says the signage has since been improved.

The Met said during the period when the false sign was in place, it had allowed for speeds of up to 50mph from where it was placed, "as not to unfairly prosecute drivers who were travelling according to this limit".

Some drivers told the BBC the issue was that the signs did not clearly show the new limit.

Swanley resident Emma Francis, 27, received four notices for speeding on the road and says she was worried she would lose her licence.

The single mother believes "thousands" of motorists have had a similar experience.

She said: "The sheer number of people who have been caught on this road demonstrates that.”

She has written to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer about the issue and plans to "absolutely" fight the charges to the end.

Dan Needham, 41, from Sevenoaks, had received four charges.

He said he had "absolutely no idea" the speed limit had changed until he started to receive the letters in the post.

He said he thought the signage along the road was "appalling" and suggested there should have been a grace period before the charges were handed out "like confetti".

TfL says it has temporarily introduced a 40mph speed limit on the road in response to a "number" of incidents caused by ongoing flooding issues, "which could have posed a risk to life".

“We want to ensure that all drivers are treated fairly," it said.

"New, regular speed limit signage, compliant with all traffic sign regulations, was installed to ensure that everyone driving here is aware of the new limit."

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