Lambeth responds to concerns over dangerous drivers

Growing concerns over reckless driving has prompted Lambeth Council to tighten the rules regarding motorists who ignore road signs, putting lives at risk.

Clapham residents are among those in Lambeth who have become increasingly concerned by a rise in motorists blatantly ignoring road signs.

In North Street, residents have been campaigning for the Council to act against inconsiderate lorry and coach drivers who have been turning a blind eye to weight restriction signs, simply to shave time off their journeys.

Similarly, Herne Hill residents and traders have been expressing concerns about motorists who ignore a banned left turn from Railton Road into Half Moon Lane.

North Street resident Rachel Thomas said: "For a number of years, residents of North Street have had a number of issues with vehicles in excess of 7.5 tonnes using the road, despite the improved signage that went up 14 months ago.

"The introduction of a 3 tonne limit has helped, however, there are still those abusing these lower limits despite local residents contacting these companies to inform them of the change."

Now, in direct response to the above concerns, two mobile units will be patrolling areas like North Street and the Herne Hill junction. Priority will be given to areas where residents have identified a specific problem.

The units - both highly visible and marked `CCTV Lambeth' - will also be concentrating on schools in the borough who want to discourage motorists who park dangerously outside school gates. Action will only be taken outside schools whose Head Teachers have actively identified a problem and called for enforcement.

In addition, the vehicles will also be prioritising known accident hot spots in Lambeth, caused by drivers blatantly ignoring road signs.

Enforcement will then be reviewed and altered to reflect residents and members requests. A specific e-mail box has been set up so members of the public can alert the council to areas where motorists are regularly ignoring road signs. The e-mail address for residents to contact the Council is: streetoperationsqueries@lambeth.gov.uk

The aim is to deter motorists from breaking traffic rules, which will help to reduce congestion and prevent accidents.

From November 14 the units will begin patrolling. The first two weeks will see drivers ignoring road signs being sent warning notices detailing the offence, however no fines will be issued in this period.

There will then be a two-week break until December 11 after which the penalty for ignoring road signs will be £100, discounted at £50 if paid within 14 days. All tickets issued are supported by video evidence, which is available for viewing.

The move has been welcomed by campaigning residents like Rachel Thomas of North Street, who said: "We are hoping that the new mobile enforcing unit will act as an effective deterrent. Residents will continue to work with the Council to improve further the traffic situation in North Street and surrounding roads."

Throughout last year in conjunction with the Association of London Government, 5 London boroughs and Transport for London took part in a pilot study of Moving Traffic Enforcement. This study involved issuing Penalty Charge Notices (PCN’s) to anyone observed committing a moving traffic contravention.
The study shows the pilot helped to significantly reduce accidents in Camden.

Robert Overall, Executive Director for Environment, said: "Residents have expressed concerns for some time now that the actions of inconsiderate drivers are putting lives at risk. When these road signs are ignored it becomes dangerous for all road users, including other drivers.

"Lambeth residents have been calling on the Council to take action. We are now responding to their concerns."