Request ID: FOI-4021-2324 Date published: 23 February 2024
You asked
To whom it may concern,
I am writing to request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 a copy of the report and supporting documentation that led to the implementation of the 40mph speed limit and the speed camera placed on the A20 Eastbound by Sandy Lane.
I would also appreciate if you could provide the following information:
- When was the speed camera activated?
- Was there a “grace period” for this activation, to allow for drivers to adjust to the speed change?
- Is there a plan for there to be a public consultation regarding the change in speed limit?
Thank you for your assistance,
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-4021-2324
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on4 February 2024 asking for information about the 40mph speed limit and the speed camera placed on the A20 Eastbound by Sandy Lane. Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require. Specifically you asked:
When was the speed camera activated?
Speed enforcement from the average speed camera installation commenced on 19December 2023.
Was there a “grace period” for this activation, to allow for drivers to adjust to the speed change?
There is no set grace period required in law. However, in this case, the speed limit was reduced by way of an Emergency Traffic Order on 2October 2023 with enforcement not commencing via camera until 19December 2023.
Is there a plan for there to be a public consultation regarding the change in speed limit?
The reduced speed limit was introduced under an Emergency Traffic Order (ETO) in response to the serious safety risk posed by surface water flooding. Officers from London Borough of Bexley and London Borough of Bromley were informed of the change as part of this process on 11 and 22 September 2023 respectively. The ETO procedures were followed correctly, and as is normal practice, we worked closely with the Metropolitan Police Service to ensure that the traffic orders and signage were all correct and in place before camera enforcement began on 19 December 2023, and that the new speed limit signage installed is compliant with the Department for Transport’s traffic sign regulations. To ensure drivers were aware of this change, we installed Variable Message Signs on 4 October 2023 warning of the new 40mph limit, several months ahead of enforcement taking place.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely,
Mary Abidakun FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
