Request ID: FOI-4032-2324 Date published: 27 February 2024
You asked
Hi
I have received a notice of intended prosecution, regarding a speeding fine on the A20 Eastbound,West of Sandy Lane to East of Cookham Rd.
This part of the road was a 50 speed limit, and has temporarily been changed to 40.But there was still a 50 speed sign in place, which had been put up by a third party, also the 40 speed signs were the wrong size for that stretch of road, being too small.
I now know that the 50 sign was taken down, and the wrong 40 signs were also replaced with the correct size signs.
It has been brought to my attention that this matter has gone viral, both on TV, papers and a Facebook group! As these signs have been removed, it's obvious that they were incorrect, and speeding fines shouldn't have been given out to thousands of people who were driving under 50 speed.
I have spoken to the Met, who know all the details and they told me to Contact TFL, who in turn have told me to email you.
I would like an answer as to the date the 50 speed sign was taken down, and also the date in which the correct size 40speed signs were put up.
Please reply ASAP, as this situation is very stressful, and appears to be TFL who are at fault, displaying wrong size signs for that stretch of the road, and having a 50 sign still on display.
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-4032-2324
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 12th February 2024 asking for information about speed cameras on the A20. Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy.
Specifically you asked: “I would like an answer as to the date the 50 speed sign was taken down, and also the date in which the correct size 40speed signs were put up”. I can confirm that we hold the information you require.
TfL was notified that an incorrect 50mph sign had been placed at this location by an unauthorised third party on 24th January 2024.This was removed and replaced on the same evening that TfL received the notification.
The 40mph signage that was installed was not the wrong size. It is as specified for a 40mph carriageway according to Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions – see here:
The 40mph speed limit signage was installed on 26th September 2024, with 3 additional large electric variable messaging signs and additional ‘New Speed Limit in force signs’ installed in October.A total of 34 signs were installed in September as follows:
28 40mph roundel signs, 1 national speed limit sign 3 Combined 40mph and ‘Area in which enforcement cameras are in use’ signs 2 Average Speed Check signs
If this is not the information you are looking for please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely,
David Wells FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
