‘UNLAWFUL’: Wandsworth Council BLOCKED from issuing fines to motorists travelling over 20mph

A trial road safety scheme launched in south London has been deemed ‘unlawful’ by the Department for Transport (DfT).

Wandsworth Borough Council were the first to target motorists speeding more than 20mph in a pilot initiative that allowed the council to issue speeding fines.

Those caught could expect a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) fine of £130, with a 50 percent discount if paid within 14 days. Under the council scheme, offenders could not receive penalty points on their licence.

However, Government officials have now stepped in asking the DVLA to no longer share details of motorists caught with the council.

According to myLondon, a DfT spokesperson said: "Wandsworth Council is carrying out this experimental speed enforcement trial using powers in a way that is unlawful. We have therefore taken immediate action and asked DVLA to stop sharing registered keeper details with Wandsworth Council for the purpose of enforcing this scheme."

A Wandsworth Council spokesperson said: "We began this trial as part of our efforts to support the police and TfL with their speed enforcement work, and as our contribution to wider London efforts on Vision Zero.

"Since the start of the trial we have seen a 1mph reduction in speeds and the number of vehicles travelling over 25mph dropping from 13pc to 6.6pc on the trial roads and up until this point have notified motorists who have been found to have breached the speed limit with a warning letter but have not issued any fines.

"The Department for Transport has taken the decision to restrict access to details of registered vehicle keepers meaning we are now unable to contact drivers who are found to have been speeding. Naturally, we are disappointed with this decision and are having ongoing conversations with the Department for Transport regarding the future of the trial.”