Council forced to refund drivers £100k in fines due to confusing road sign error

02 February 2023 , 14:48

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The sign was claimed to be too high and poorly located (Image: Cllr Matthew Bryant / SWNS)

A confusing road sign outside a school has cost a local council more than £100,000 in refunds to fined drivers.

Cars are banned from driving outside Henry Cavendish primary school in Balham, south west London, during school collection times every weekday.

New signage by Lambeth Council told drivers not to use a short section of the road during 8.15am and 9.15am and 2.45pm and 3.45pm, but many argued it was not obvious the area was closed during these times.

Some 1,635 penalty charge notices (PCNs) were issued to motorists from May to November last year, with nearly 400 challenging their £130 fines, which were halved if paid within two weeks.

The cars were fined for driving near Henry Cavendish primary school in Balham in the banned hours (Google Streetview)

After lobbying by residents and opposition councillors, the council caved and agreed to refund all fines issued from May until December 9, when the signs were changed.

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Councillor Donna Harris Harris, leader of the Lambeth Lib Dem group, said: "This is a right shambles from Lambeth Council, which has angered many residents in my ward who've been unfairly fined.

"You have to ask why didn't the council put the right signage up in the first place and why did it take them months to admit their mistake?

"I'm pleased the council has agreed to repay the fines but those who were hit with fines will be disappointed there was no contrition or apology."

More than 1,000 drivers were fined for the infractions (Cllr Matthew Bryant / SWNS)

Residents had complained the sign was not in a clear position for drivers to see it before turning into the road.

Ms Harris agreed the signage was poorly located and difficult to read safely while driving and also slammed Lambeth Council for taking until December to admit its mistake and replace the signage.

During a council meeting last week, Labour's cabinet member for sustainable Lambeth and clean air, Rezina Chowdhury, ignored Ms Harris' request to apologise to residents for the council's error.

Ms Chowdhury said in answer: "Yes, as residents raised this issue with us, we have improved the signage.

"I can confirm that we will cancel all PCNs issued up until December 9 [when the signage was updated] and refund any PCNs that have been paid."

Lambeth Council insisted its signs were still 'compliant' with their legal responsibilities but accepted they should have been in a better position.

A spokesman said: "We acknowledged that the signage in place at this location, although compliant, needed better positioning.

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"We have therefore taken the decision to refund any penalty charge notices issued and will cancel any that are outstanding."

Due to the high number of PCNs issued, Ms Harris called on any motorists who had not received a refund to get in touch through her official office.

Antony Clements-Thrower