Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2021 2:28pm
Really sad to see that people are still being caught out!! I still think this is a really tricky junction because of the DOUBLE bus gate - and fundamental ambiguity from both Gallery Road and College Road approaches (as at last time I surveyed the area - probably July).
From College Road - there's no camera sign. The new red signs that were put up a few month back are better - but doesn't specify that there are TWO exits that you can't take during restricted hours.
A Blue Bus Gate sign is now visible (obscured in tree foliage for most of the summer!!) on the A205 approaching Dulwich College from Forest Hill direction but not repeated. Instead there is a series of 3 Red signs with the 'restricted access' - but not making any reference to double bus gate ahead. A car might not see the 2nd Blue Bus Gate Sign until they are about to enter Dulwich Village.
I raised this point in my appeal - which I ultimately won at the beginning of August. Note that Dulwich has incrementally tried to improve the signage - which suggests it was defective at the outset.
Excerpt from my appeal:
2. Independent evidence
of that sign is not clearly visible to motorists
There remains a fundamental ambiguity with the EA’s
signage at this location. Drivers continue UNWITTINGLY to enter the restricted
zone during prohibited hours. The Dulwich Village Roundabout is specifically
mentioned in attached Sunday Times Article 23.05.21.
“Southwark,
also in southeast London, levied £2.5 million in three months from two schemes
and one, in Dulwich Village, generated 22,424 fines in seven weeks.
Fines typically have a face value of £130 or half that if paid within 14 days.”
Based on those figures, that makes for an average of
3,203 fines a week at that stage! A screenshot of the amount of fines raised
appears below. - Sunday
Times ONLINE article 23.05.21
****
I had planned to write to Councillors and the Mayor of Southwark - because this junction is clearly a convenient moneyspinner - at a time when Councils are strapped for cash.
I note from another forum that this Saturday 16 October, there will be a protest against the Dulwich LTNs, seemingly organised by OneDulwich group, who are opposing the introduction of the LTNs in Dulwich - and have been interacting with the Council.
Perhaps it is time to join forces and act collectively - as opposed to dealing on an individual basis.
NB I have no connection to either of these groups - but just see that this Dulwich Village Roundabout is really operating unfairly against drivers - who seem the be the easy targets these days. Not sure whether there is a case for abuse of process - because it really requires an independent arbiter to assess whether the signage is sufficiently clear (vs Southwark's insistence that they are clear) and the restrictions understood by drivers in real time. The number of alleged contraventions - suggests that the signage is inadequate in the context of that location.
Note that the route to the adjudication is protracted. It took up a lot of time - but I was not in a position to pay 2 fines.
www.onedulwich.uk and www.dulwichalliance.org
If anyone's minded to contact the Mayor and Ward Councillors, details are:
Mayor
[email protected]
Dulwich Village Ward Councillors
[email protected]
[email protected]
Apologies for any duplication - as I haven't had the time to go back and look at interim posts since July.
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