LB Hounslow blames ‘operator error’ for Christmas fines

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Image above: Hartington Road access restriction signs

The 169 fines imposed during the period of suspension canceled

LB Hounslow said operator error resulted in Penalty Notices (PCNs) being sent to drivers at Grove Park over the Christmas holidays.

A number of residents who had traveled to the area complained on social media that they had received a penalty notice, despite the suspension of restrictions over the holiday period.

Hounslow Council had announced in late December that access restrictions on Staveley Road and Hartington Road would be suspended between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day. The panels were masked for the duration of the suspension.

Despite this, from December 26 to 29, motorists plying the roads during the normally restricted times were fined, with a total of 169 PCNs issued.

Councilors, both Tory and Labor, contacted the traffic service on behalf of their constituents.

Chiswick Riverside Labor Councilor Amy Croft told the Chiswick Calendar as soon as officers realized fines had been wrongly imposed they were immediately reversed. Those who have received fines should receive a letter in the mail advising them that the NCP has been cancelled.

LB Hounslow said that since no one had yet paid the fine, no refund had been issued.

Chiswick Homefields Conservative Councilor Jack Emsley said:

I’m glad we were able to get those fines overturned, but the fact is that they should never have been imposed in the first place.

“I have received a number of emails from distressed residents who received fines over the Christmas period, at a time when restrictions had been lifted and signs had been covered.

“While it is certain that they will not have to pay these fines, this council error has caused enormous distress to residents over the Christmas and New Year period. I have sought clarification on how it happened and how the board will prevent it from happening again.

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