Fines at Sands End Traffic Scheme Set To Begin Soon
Some residents concerned about impact or are unsure about how it works
An ANPR camera installed in Broughton Road. Picture: Owen Sheppard
An elderly woman who relies on ordering minicabs to go shopping is among a number of Sands End residents concerned about a radical new traffic management scheme.
SW6 residents are gearing up for the full roll-out of Hammersmith and Fulham Council’s new scheme, which penalises motorists who rat-run in residential streets.
Automatic number plate recognition cameras have been installed on roads to the east of Wandsworth Bridge Road and south of New King’s Road, and fines will be issued to motorists, including motorbikers, who do not live in Hammersmith and Fulham.
The 24/7 cameras were activated on 20 July, giving residents a chance to familiarise themselves with the new system. But from Monday, 10 August, the council says penalties will be issued.
A list of permitted vehicles includes emergency services, buses, postal services, and black cabs, but excludes minicabs and Uber drivers. Guests or traders who are visiting residents’ homes will be able to register online for “visitor permits”.
But many Sands End residents admitted to not knowing about the new scheme, or being unsure of the rules.
Patricia Medlen, 73, and who has a camera near her house in Broughton Road, was worried that minicabs would stop coming to her house.
She said, “I have a regular mini cab. But because it’s not a black cab it can’t come here without getting fined. If they keep getting fines they will probably stop coming because it’s very difficult to turn around on this road.
“I get a minicab to go shopping because carrying bags on the bus is too much for me. And I take them to go to congregations at St Mary’s Church in West Kensington.
“I don’t understand why the camera is there and not further down Broughton Road. It’s not logical at all.”
Patricia Medlen, of Broughton Road
Palla, of Hazlebury Road, who has mobility problems, said, “Getting a cab here will be harder now. And it’s very difficult to turn around in this road.”
The 54-year-old also worries that Wandsworth Bridge Road has become much busier.
“Wandsworth Bridge Road is ridiculous now… and that’s without the school run.”
Palla from Hazlebury Road
A man in Broughton Road who asked not to be named said: “It’s very confusing.
“If you’re a tradesman, how are you supposed to know what to do? It will get people who are trying to make an honest buck.”
Other residents were happy with the results, though few claimed to fully know how the scheme will work.
Sophia De Rosnay, 25, who grew up in Parsons Green, said: “It has been a bit quieter in the last few weeks. But I actually didn’t realise that’s what that camera was about.”
Sophia De Rosnay, a Broughton Road resident
Lude Gara, 45, of Broughton Road, said: “I think it’s better here now. Sometimes there’s so much noise around here, even at night.
“To be honest I don’t know what the rules are. I didn’t know what was going on until I saw the camera.”
Anja Huettenrauch, 40, a learning and development manager, said: “I think it’s a good idea, but I had to Google it to find out what was going on. But I find it easier to get around Fulham by bike.”
A 58-year-old man from Broughton Road said: “I think a lot of drivers will still come down here and get caught out because sat-navs will send them this way to avoid Wandsworth Bridge Road.”
The standard charge that Hammersmith and Fulham Council issues for motorists is £40, rising to £80 if not paid within a fortnight.
Responding to residents’ concerns about minicab access to the area, a council spokesperson said: “Any non-resident can reach any property in the area without needing to go through a control point.
“[Residents] would need to apply for an on-street visitor permit for them so the minicab can drive through control points on the day.
“Residents will need to let anyone visiting their homes know about the scheme in advance.”
The spokesperson also said it has informed sat-nav manufacturers of the new scheme. “If motorists follow the road signs… rather than relying solely on a sat-nav – they shouldn’t have any issues.”
ANPR cameras have been installed at the following locations in Sands End:
- Hazlebury Road junction with Cranbury Road
- Broughton Road, between Bryan’s Alley and Langford Road
- Imperial Road, between Fulmead Street and Emden Street
- The length of Harwood Terrace
- Bagleys Lane between Harwood Terrace and Cresford Road
A map of affected roads and more information about the scheme can be found on the council’s website.
Owen Sheppard - Local Democracy Reporter
August 6, 2020