Motorists have slammed Kingston council after it pushed through plans to permanently install a controversial traffic calming scheme that has raked in more than £3m in fines in just nine months.
The Council first installed a traffic camera as part of a trial calming scheme in November last year, but were soon accused of “money-grabbing” after more than £500,000-worth in fines were issued in its first week. More than 50,000 fines have been issued in Surbiton Crescent since, meaning the council has raised a whopping £3,255,915.
Drivers passing through the bollards receive a minimum fine of £65, which can rise to £195 if not paid within 28 days.
Residents have criticised the scheme as being badly signposted and called on the council to scrap the traffic-calming measure.
The Council voted to make the scheme permanent in June, but furious residents forced another vote on the scheme after presenting a petition to the council this week.
But councillors refused to back down over the scheme, saying the road forms an “essential link” in its mini-Holland cycling plans.
