A North London council pulled in more than £300,000 in just 17 days from drivers ignoring or being unaware of traffic restrictions on a busy road during major repair works, a Freedom of Information (FOI) request has revealed.
Wembley High Road was closed in January whilst vital works were carried out. It was shut for motorists for 18 weeks, with works finally completed earlier this month.
The road had been damaged by ‘leaky drainage systems’ that needed to be replaced, as well as from the increased pressure of more vehicles using it, according to Brent Council.
However, a huge number of motorists had ignored the signs or not been observant enough to spot them, and were using the lane meant for buses and emergency vehicles.
Brent Council has said it was ‘surprised’ by the number of drivers who failed to abide by the no-entry signage, with an FOI showing that 5,701 fines were issued for violating the restrictions between January 15 and January 31.
Drivers had been warned that they faced fines of up to £130 for using the lane, which was reduced to £65 if paid within 14 days, but it appears many either failed to take notice or weren’t aware of the restrictions. During this 17-day period, Brent Council generated £313,555 in revenue from Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) which equates to £55 per driver fined.
However it’s understood that not all PCNs issued would have been paid during the 17-day period the FOI related to, so the true figure is likely to be higher given the minimum expected to be paid by each driver is £65.
The works took place between Cecil Avenue and The Triangle, during which the running lane between Oakington Manor Drive and St Joseph’s Church was for the sole use of buses and emergency service vehicles.
A camera was in operation during the works with warning signs placed ahead of the restrictions, and where the restrictions were enforced, informing motorists of the no-entry status.
Councillor Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member for Environment and Enforcement, said: “Taking into account our extensive communication on the Wembley High Road upgrades, we are surprised at the number of motorists who decided to ignore the no-entry signage.
“We wrote letters to residents, installed several warning signs, ran billboard advertising campaigns locally, and had social media posts that got over one million views.”
She added: “Fortunately, money that we get from traffic and parking fines is ring-fenced towards Freedom Passes, which provides free travel to older and eligible disabled Brent residents on almost all London’s public transport. Residents who think they have been unfairly issued a ticket and wish to challenge the fine should follow the statutory process.”
The works marked the final stage of improvements that had been ongoing for several years. The roads structure was said to be ‘failing and in a state of disrepair’ with short-term fixes ‘no longer appropriate’, according to the council.
The repairs included digging up the full depth of the road’s surface, building a new road structure and resurfacing it, repairing the existing drains, and installing new gullies so the water is redirected safely.
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