Politics · United Kingdom · 6 hrs ago
A20 speed-limit order faces legal challenge after more than 66,000 fines
Transport for London lowered the A20 limit from 70mph to 40mph in October 2023 on a stretch between Sidcup and Swanley after cars left the road in wet conditions.
A speed camera caught more than 66,000 drivers over about a year, and each was given a £100 fine and three licence points.
The limit returned to 70mph after drainage work was completed, but a Crown Court ruling has raised doubts about whether the change was properly authorised.
A document shown in court indicated that the TfL manager who signed off on the change did not have authority to do so, though an earlier information request had suggested otherwise.
The mayor is accused of blocking an independent investigation, but his office says neither he nor TfL misled anyone and that the limit was lawful and needed for safety.
The court ruling could lead to some drivers' fines being refunded and convictions overturned, but TfL says it does not bind other cases.
TfL says it will support police in resisting upcoming appeals.
The A20 speed-limit order between Sidcup and Swanley faces legal challenge after a Crown Court ruling raised the prospect of refunds and overturned convictions.
The limit was reduced from 70mph to 40mph in October 2023 after cars swerved off the road in wet conditions.
More than 66,000 drivers are believed to have received £100 fines and three licence points during about a year of enforcement.
A court was shown a document indicating that the TfL manager who approved the change lacked authority to do so.
The Mayor of London and TfL deny wrongdoing and say the limit was necessary for safety.
- Who
- Transport for London and the Metropolitan Police are expected to resist upcoming appeals by motorists. More than 66,000 drivers are believed to have been fined.
- What
- The legality of the A20 speed-limit order is being challenged, with possible refunds and overturned convictions at stake.
- When
- The limit was reduced in October 2023. A Crown Court ruling last month raised the prospect of further challenges.
- Where
- The A20 between Sidcup and Swanley, London.
- Why
- The limit was reduced after cars swerved off the road in wet conditions. The challenge concerns whether the order was lawfully authorised.
Motorists challenging the fines
Mayor of London and Transport for London
Legality of the order
Motorists challenging the fines
A court was shown a document indicating the TfL manager who signed off on the change lacked authority.
Mayor of London and Transport for London
The mayor and TfL say the traffic orders were made lawfully and staff acted with proper authorisation.
Fines and enforcement
Motorists challenging the fines
The court ruling raises the prospect that fines could be refunded and convictions overturned.
Mayor of London and Transport for London
TfL says enforcement was necessary because of safety risks and that it will support police in resisting upcoming appeals.
The speed limit on the A20 between Sidcup and Swanley was reduced from 70mph to 40mph after cars swerved off the road in wet conditions.
The 70mph limit was restored after drainage work was completed.
A Freedom of Information response suggested that the speed-limit change had been approved by the relevant manager.
A Crown Court case acquitted a driver and was shown a document indicating the manager lacked authority to approve the change.
- A20 stretch
- Between Sidcup and Swanley
- Reduced speed limit
- 40mph, down from 70mph
- Drivers fined
- More than 66,000 believed to have been caught
- Fine and penalty
- £100 and three licence points per motorist
- Approving manager
- Gary Oliver, an Area Manager in Asset Operation
- Restored limit
- 70mph after drainage work was completed
What people are saying
an almighty motoring miscarriage of justice
Thousands of motorists have been sacrificed on the altar of the mayor's inability to admit that a mistake has been made
It is incorrect to suggest that the mayor or TfL misled anybody in relation to these fines, and TfL remain confident that enforcement of the speed limit here was necessary given the safety risks.
We remain confident that enforcement of the speed limit here was necessary, given the safety risks.