A large amount of fixed penalty charges have been issued to road users by three LTN cameras installed in Dulwich and one in Walworth. In Dulwich Village, drivers received 22,424 fines between 11 January and 28 February 2021.
According to the RAC, this will have amounted to more than £1.5m in revenue with each driver fined £65. In Walworth, 29,530 infractions were captured using one camera, generating more than £1m worth of funds in two months.
While 17% of fines in Walworth have been successfully appealed, Southwark Council has repeatedly insisted LTN schemes have been introduced to “keep residents safe.” It said many of its camera-enforced LTN schemes were introduced after speaking with emergency services and listening to what local residents wanted to see on their roads.
But the local authority has subsequently had to make changes to its LTN schemes after their trial period, including to spare punishment of Blue Badge holders. Those with a badge, which allow motorists to park closer to their destination if they or someone they care for is disabled, in Dulwich Village or Walworth low traffic scheme areas are now eligible for exemption.
Southwark Council said: “LTNs are designed to make residential streets safer, encourage people to walk and cycle more and reduce air pollution. However, in the course of our work listening to people who live in the Dulwich Village and Walworth LTN trials, we have learned that Blue Badge holders may be disproportionately impacted by the schemes.
“Blue Badge holders often have reduced mobility, which can make walking and cycling much more difficult. In the interest of equality and in response to our residents, we are therefore inviting Blue Badge holders to register for an exemption.
“The exemption is to allow blue badge holders living in the LTN to travel with ease in their local area. Access to every property within the LTN remains available at all times for all road users.”
Learn more about low traffic neighbourhoods in the February 2021 issue of CiTTi Magazine…
