Half a Million Pounds Worth of Fines Issued on Turnham Green Terrace
Council hands out 4,000 PCNs over new access restrictions
Traffic on Turnham Green Terrace after access restrictions in place
Hounslow Council have issued over 4,000 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) in relation to the new access restrictions in Chiswick.
The figures, obtained by local councillor John Todd, show that the value of fines issued up to the end of September for Turnham Green Terrace alone total over £500,000.
The council confirmed to us on 12 July that camera enforcement had begun and it is believed that initially fines were issued from a mobile camera unit and only more recently have been determined by the use of a fixed camera.
There were 3982 PCNs issued on Turnham Green Terrace and 42 on Devonshire Road. The total face value of these tickets at £130 per ticket is £523,120.
Anyone receiving a PCN can pay within a discount period and so far 1,449 of those fined have chosen to do so. There are 2,785 PCNs open at various stages of the process with 839 subject to an appeal or request for a change of keeper (which occurs with hire vehicles or when an employee is liable for the fine).
Access sign at northern end of Turnham Green Terrace
Cllr Todd said, “My view is this a punitive application of a confusing inadequate traffic scheme devoid of any consultation process or meaningful dialogue with Chiswick Councillors.
“Cllr Guy Lambert lead member for recycling was involved in the implementation because as he frequently says ' I used to live in Chiswick!'
“Initial warning to residents, businesses and other users about this scheme was grossly inadequate and was compounded by inadequate signage, a matter which continues, despite our representations.
“Currently the related Change Org petition has over six thousand signatures against this scheme yet Ruth Cadbury MP says 'Opponents are loud for their numbers' and the Council Leader said, 'He's not worried about parking in Chiswick!'
“The overt indifference towards Chiswick by this Labour administration and its brutal financial punishment towards residents and businesses is contemptuous.”
The councillors for Chiswick wards have pledged to oppose this and other schemes implemented in the borough or seek credible and practical changes to them.
Cllrs Guy Lambert and Hanif Khan who have responsibility for the environment and transport respectively said originally that the new restrictions would be enforced leniently. They have both denied that the primary purpose of the new measures was to raise revenue.
In other boroughs warning notices have been issued to motorists in the early stages of implementation of schemes including those disregarding the restrictions at Fisher’s Lane which is enforced by Ealing Council.
We have asked Hounslow Council if any warning notices were issued prior to PCNs being sent out and how many appeals against PCNs have so far been accepted. We have not yet received a response.
To make comments on the arrangements contact trafficorders@hounslow.gov.uk quoting reference TMO/E005/20 for Turnham Green Terrace and TMO/E004/20 for Devonshire Road.
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October 6, 2020
