The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, faces allegations of blocking an independent probe into £6 million in speeding fines collected on the A20. These penalties, issued after a temporary speed limit reduction between Sidcup and Swanley, may have been collected under an unlawful traffic order.
The 40mph limit that ensnared 66,000 drivers
In October 2023, Transport for London (TfL) reduced the speed limit on the A20 stretch between Sidcup and Swanley from 70mph to 40mph. This change was implemented to address safety concerns regarding flooding and vehicles swerving off the road in wet conditions. as the report notes, a speed camera installed on this stretch is believed to have caught more than 66,000 drivers over the course of a year.
The financial and personal impact of these enforcement measures has been significant. Each of the motorists involved received a £100 fine and three penalty points on their driving licenses. Some drivers have reportedly lost their jobs or their licenses as a direct result of these penalties,leading to claims of a massive motoring miscarriage of justice.
A 'restricted' document and the question of Gary Oliver's authority
Legal scrutiny of the fines has intensified following a recent Crown Court judgment . During court proceedings, TfL manager Gerard O'Toole testified that the speed reduction was authorized by Gary Oliver, an Area Manager in Asset Operation. However, a "restricted" document presented during a case involving an acquitted driver suggested that Mr. Oliver may not have possessed the legal authority required to sign off on the speed change.
If the traffic order is officially deemed invalid, the millions of pounds collected in fines could be subject to widespread refunds.. This raises a critical question: did TfL staff knowingly bypass legal protocols, or was the authorization error a matter of administrative oversight? Furthermore, it remains unverified whether the "restricted" nature of the document suggests a deliberate attempt to withhold information from the courts.
The Orpington MPs' failed attempt to trigger an inquiry
Political pressure is mounting as Sadiq Khan is accused of obstructing transpareency regarding the A20 incident. According to the report, the Mayor allegedly vetoed a request for an independent investigation into the fines when it was raised at the London Assembly last year. This move reportedly came despite direct pressure from Conservative MPs Laura Trott, Louie French, and Gareth Bacon, who represent the Orpington area.
Thomas Turrell, the London Assembly Conservatives' transport spokesman, has been vocal in his criticism, suggesting that motorists have been sacrificed due to the Mayor's refusal to admit a mitake. The tension highlights a growing rift between the city's central administration and the residents of the affected areas.
TfL's safety defense against the £6 million refund claim
Despite the mounting legal challenges, Transport for London maintains that all enforcement was necessary and lawful. A spokesperson for TfL stated that the agency remans confident that the speed limits were implemented to mitigate life-threatening risks caused by road flooding.. They emphasized that all staff acted in accordance with their authorizations and that no wrongdoing occurred.
While acknowledging the recent Crown Court ruling, TfL noted that the decision does not set a binding precedent for other cases. The agency has stated it will support the Metropolitan Police in resisting upcoming appeals, maintaining that road safety remains their primary priority. However, the core of the controversy remains whether the authority to implement the change was legally sound from the outset.
Comments 0