Motorist Dodges Six-Month Ban After Speed Sign Fiasco on A20
A driver slammed with 12 penalty points in just seven days on the same road has narrowly escaped a six-month driving ban. The court ruled the blame on “inadequate” and confusing speed limit signs.
Rogue 50mph Sign Sparks Chaos in Sidcup
The drama unfolded along the A20 at Sidcup, south-east London, where a stray 50mph sign was mistakenly placed in a 40mph zone. This blunder has seen hundreds of drivers hit with speeding tickets.
Jamie Foster faced Bromley magistrates and ended up with a 28-day ban instead of a longer suspension.
Road Users Hit Out at Mixed Messages
Regulars on the eastbound A20 between Sandy Lane and Cookham Lane reported bafflement after the speed limit dropped sharply from 70mph to 40mph last autumn. Transport for London (TfL) admitted a third party had wrongly installed the 50mph sign, fuelling the confusion.
“Jamie’s had a clean licence, like many others. It was inadequate signage, that’s what we’ve said all along — that was the mitigation,” said Jamie’s mother, Shirley Foster from the Isle of Sheppey.
Thousands Could Be Affected as Police Confirm Sign Mix-Up
Drivers blasted the poor and unclear signage, sparking an official investigation. Metropolitan Police confirmed that between 17 and 25 January, only one incorrect 50mph sign was displayed — but damage was done.
Foster’s solicitor revealed the confusion could involve up to 62,000 offences over six weeks.
A group of motorists who also received speeding notices for the same road showed up at Bromley Magistrates’ Court in solidarity.
While police insist the speeding fines won’t be scrapped, the court’s ruling admits the muddled signs have thrown many drivers into trouble unfairly.
