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Times
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Town traffic ban leads to fines of more than £200k in 30 days By Lilly Croucher
Unit 9, Chapman Way, Tunbridge Wells TN2 3EF
18 – 21 MAY
CONFUSING: The town centre signage that is causing problems for drivers
FINES issued by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) to motorists travelling along the restricted bus lane on Mount Pleasant Road have totalled £210,000 in just 25 days. Despite this massive tally, confusion still reigns among drivers over the exact nature of the restrictions. Three thousand Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) of £70 each were issued to drivers who used the stretch of road in front of the war memorial between March 20 and April 13. The PCNs follow 11,000 warning letters that were issued by TWBC to vehicles contravening the restrictions between February 20 and March 20. The traffic ban is part of a joint scheme by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
(TWBC) and Kent County Council (KCC) in which drivers are fined for using the bus lane between 9am and 6pm. Buses, taxis, and goods delivery vehicles are exempt from the ban.
Confusing signs covered in duct tape and held up with zip ties have been criticised online When asked what the Borough Council will do with the money collected by the fines, TWBC told the Times: “Any surplus is ringfenced for transport-related projects.” Walking and Cycling Champion Cllr Peter Lidstone (Lib Dem) told the Times:
“The execution of the scheme has been poor. The pedestrian crossing at Monson Road is wider and less safe than before. “There is still a significant volume of traffic on Mount Pleasant Road, and the space does not feel like a ‘public realm’. “There has also been a lot of confusion around the signage and enforcement.” Confusing signs covered in duct tape and held up with zip ties have been criticised online. The large sign on York Road approaching Mount Pleasant Road has been partially obscured with grey tape, leaving drivers baffled as to which direction they are allowed to drive. On Twitter, Cllr Nicholas Pope posted a picture of the taped-up sign and commented: “I am not impressed with
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