Fake Speed Limit Sign Snags Hundreds of London Drivers
Hundreds of London motorists have been slapped with fines after falling for a fake 50mph speed limit sign — stuck in a 40mph zone. The Metropolitan Police insist the tickets stand, despite the dodgy signage.
Chaos on the A20 Sidcup Road
The bogus 50mph sign popped up on the A20 in Sidcup, where the limit had been temporarily slashed from 70mph to 40mph because of flooding. Around 600 drivers were misled by the rogue sign and ended up with penalties for speeding.
Driving Offense Experts Warn of Licence Losses
Dominic Smith from Patterson Law, who specialise in driving offences, revealed they’ve been flooded with calls from worried drivers. “We’ve been contacted in the last week by about 400 or 500 individuals, of which about 100 to 150 are at risk of losing their licences because of this,” Smith said, highlighting how serious this has become.
Smith also noted this surge in queries far outstrips the usual numbers they see from new speed camera cases, showing just how unprecedented this fiasco is.
Police and TfL Stand Firm, MPs Demand U-Turn
The unapproved 50mph sign first appeared on January 24, triggering speed camera fines. Scotland Yard’s prosecutions team said, “The location of the 50mph sign would not have impacted enforcement.” So, the fines remain valid despite the misleading sign.
Transport for London (TfL) slammed the illegal act: “An incorrect 50mph sign was illegally placed at one location on the road by somebody who had not been authorised by TfL to place it here, putting people travelling at risk.” The sign was quickly swapped for the correct 40mph version.
TfL also stressed the importance of obeying speed limits amid flooding dangers on the A20, urging drivers to stick to the rules for their own safety.
In a show of solidarity, twelve local MPs have written to London’s mayor, calling for a rethink on the fines handed to baffled drivers caught out by the fake sign.
Despite the outcry, authorities are firm: road safety and legal speed limits must come first for everyone’s protection.
