Published: 2024-03-02 by, News Team in the Traffic & Travel news category

Chiswick Parents Hit with £26M in Fines from LTN Cameras During School Run

A recent disclosure has brought to light accusations against Hounslow Council for allegedly unfairly targeting motorists, particularly parents on the school run, in Chiswick, West London. The council stands accused of issuing fines amounting to over £26 million, primarily from 204,873 penalty charge notices issued by just three CCTV cameras within low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) over three years. These actions have sparked outrage among local activists.

The fines, distributed between 2021 and 2023, predominantly focused on two streets, Staveley Road and Hartington Road, as part of the "South Chiswick Liveable Neighbourhood" initiative. Analysis indicates that enforcement officers aimed at peak school drop-off and pick-up times, between 7:45 am to 10 am and 3:30 pm to 6 pm, as well as rush hour periods, to maximize revenue. Notably, fines surged during spring months but significantly dropped in August, coinciding with school holidays. Despite the aggressive enforcement, the council reportedly halted bailiff involvement for non-payment cases due to resource constraints for most of 2022, only to resume later in the year.

The community's response has been harsh, with many condemning the council for exploiting residents and visitors for financial gain under the guise of traffic and environmental management. OneChiswick, a campaign group, highlighted the distress caused by bailiff interventions and questioned the adequacy of signage informing motorists of LTNs. In defense, Hounslow Council cited resident complaints regarding traffic and safety concerns on residential streets, along with efforts to promote alternative transportation methods among Chiswick School parents and staff.

This controversy illuminates the broader debate surrounding LTNs in London and beyond. While intended to reduce traffic, improve air quality, and enhance pedestrian safety, the implementation and communication of such schemes often face criticism. The Chiswick case raises questions about balancing traffic enforcement with community support and scrutiny of the motives behind traffic management strategies.

As discussions persist, the Chiswick scenario serves as a lesson for councils contemplating similar measures. It highlights the need for clear communication, proper signage, and community involvement in traffic management scheme planning. The backlash and financial implications underscore the necessity for transparent and equitable urban planning and mobility management approaches.

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