Drivers have vented their fury at a London council after it emerged that a staggering £1.4million had been collected in fines from Low Traffic Neighbourhood restrictions.
According to data from a Freedom of Information request, Merton Council in South London installed four new LTN cameras earlier this year to improve traffic.
While the traffic calming measures are designed to disperse vehicles from residential areas, the scheme has been met with displeasure from locals.
Around 9,000 fines were issued every month since its launch in March, equating to a massive £1.39million in fees from penalties.
Angry residents have launched a petition against the LTN, accusing the council of profiteering from motorists and their driving habits.
It has received more than 1,300 signatures, with supporters stating that the cameras “limit our freedom to move in our own neighbourhood”, The Telegraph reported.
Two streets in particular, Pincott Road and Abbey Road, saw the installation of four automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras.
However, unhappy residents in Wimbledon cut down the cameras in October, costing the Labour-run council more than £72,000.
The Low Traffic Neighbourhood has issued thousands of fines
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PA
To ensure the Low Traffic Neighbourhood remains operational, the council has deployed temporary mobile ANPR camera vehicles.
One local resident who was slapped with a fine, Michael Wilson, said there were too many signs and restrictions which distract from the focus of driving safely.
A motorist can be slapped with a fine worth £160, although this can be reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days of it being issued.
A Merton council spokesperson said: “Money received from penalty charge notices is reinvested into parking, transport, and highways. This includes filling potholes and resurfacing roads.”
Low Traffic Neighbourhoods were popularised during the Coronavirus pandemic to ensure motorists adhere to road restrictions and cut traffic rates.
They are prevalent across London, especially given the Mayor of London’s plan to make 80 per cent of all trips by active or sustainable models by 2041.
The road restrictions have been met with criticism regarding penalties handed out to drivers who are trying to access streets near their homes.
Shadow Transport Secretary Richard Holden has been particularly against LTNs, describing the measures as a “war on motorists”.
Low Traffic Neighbourhoods are common around London | PA He told The Telegraph: “In Government, Conservatives told councils to listen to local people and keep these schemes under proper review to serve residents, not misplaced ideology.
“Labour ditched that guidance and now refuse to enforce any standards at all.”
Earlier this year, reports suggested that the Labour Government had shelved plans to limit new LTNs and 20mph speed limit zones.
Prior to the 2024 General Election, the Conservatives pledged to rule out top-down LTNs, with any new schemes needing to be put to a referendum.
