Free Traffic Legal Advice

Hi,

Im looking for some guidance on a received 52M. First, I have never been aware of such penalties until now. A few details below:


I was travelling through Fulham unaware of this 52M prohibition; I had just been passing through and had never been to this part of the Fulham previously. first timer.

A couple of days ago, I received this in the mail. After some investigation on firstly what this was and some background on it, it appears it is part of some clean air scheme, (which I'm all for). This scheme, i believe, was introduced as a trial with a camera, which ceased as a trial and became permanent on 31 January 2025.
.
This information can be found here:  https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/news/2023/02/warning-period-non-hf-drivers-ends-clean-air-neighbourhood-trial
.
.
My first concern is that the signs are just not clear enough, even at 20 mph, to be able to take necessary action to avoid the area, (especially if you are not local) and the scheme is NEW and the road markings that are on the road, barely take priority when driving safely, to be honest.


Second, there is a junction right next to the signs to the right. In the video, there is a second large vehicle, which I would have been aware of while driving, which clearly is pulling out. This vehicle will have also been obstructing my view of the sign on the right side of the road, right up until I pass the sign, which can be barely seen if you look close enough on photo 2, behind the sizeable tree.


I was completely unaware of this and didn't, in all honesty, see the signage nor feel there was any prohibition; it's not clear, plus the islands make this part of the road look like a crossing; it's confusing. Even in the photo, which is of a fairly acceptable resolution, it is difficult to make out. Add a speed of 20 mph to the equation, and it's even less convincing.

Im not sure how to respond, but this is out of order. Any advice is welcome. I'm stumped, but I don't feel this is a penalty I should pay for ignorance.

Thank you

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

FIRSTLY, I WANT TO COMMENT ON THE "CHARGING PAST" comment.
This video has, for some reason, been sped up. The diagonal line markings on the road are approximately 12 feet apart; my vehicle is 13.57 feet long. It takes me approximately 1.5 seconds to pass the distance between 2 lines (*orange). according to this video: *speed = distance/time Im travelling at: (12/1.5 = 5.45455 mph) Though it is likely more like 3 times that. The Land Rover on the right was almost stationary as I passed, as well as obstructing the view of the sign on the right from the angle I was at, during approach. (see attachment example)

Its a shame the road isn't covered at its origin on Google Maps, despite there being an HGV gate.

(And yes, I have never seen this sign previously; I am a non-commuting driver.)

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

It definitely seems that way.

One thing that baffles me is that this restriction, which is supposed to reinforce clean air for residents, yet is installed on a part of the road where there are NO residential properties, as can be clearly seen in the video and photos, yet they have used this opportunity to lure and entrap drivers. I may be able to revisit this scene, but to what end? They just want money and an excuse; it's nothing more than greed. and I'm sure they do keep all of the proceeds, of which I'm certain very little gets put back into the community.

The fact that this connects those areas seems irrelevant, and it is hardly a cut-through; there's nothing to see or do in that area, as I have learnt from this experience.

It looks like a pay-up, shut-up, matter. it's very disappointing.

I appreciate your story; you will read from my comments above that I very much support this type of initiative; tackling air and noise pollution in London is essential and not just in Fulham. I too have lived in an area with terrible traffic, pollution, and parking issues; those were so bad they caused health issues. That isn't the debate here; I really, really do get it.

My concern is that I can't even go one borough over to drop a child off at a birthday party on a Sunday without incurring a hefty penalty for the pleasure.
But that's my word against the councils. I was lured. Not everybody is looking for a shortcut, and I have to drive EVERYWHERE with a Satnav.

I do not believe that this signage is correctly positioned; so close to a junction and a crossing, surrounded by trees, it is morrally confusing if you don't live within 50 meters of this rat trap.

The fact that the video has been sped up is surely grounds for a dismissal, as it is tampering with evidence, which makes it appear as if my actions are intentional and don't portray accurately the entire events leading up to the signage. Is anyone able to add to that?