Man stops hundreds of drivers being fined in Croydon

Croydon Council say they will install additional road signs warning of fines near a school.

It's after a man stood in Haling Road for six weeks warning people it could cost them if they entered the route at peak times.

Ricky reckons he stopped 700 drivers, which equates to about 70 thousand pounds in penalties.

The scheme means drivers face a £130 fine, £65 if paid within 14 days, for entering Haling Road between 8-9.30am and 2-4pm. The aim is to increase safety and improve air quality outside schools.

Ricky, who is a carer for his mum, said: “I still think it is just revenue based, the cameras serve no purpose as cars can are still able to drive down the road when kids are leaving school. If they really wanted to stop cars there would be a barrier there. I do think it needs advance warning, I hope it will help.

“I think I’ve cut their income by well over half in six weeks I stopped more than 700 people, that is £70,000 in fines.”

Ricky said drivers he’s saved from fines have been appreciative, with some even bringing him chocolates to say thank you.

When Ricky first started his campaign for a change to the scheme the council insisted the signs were legal but promised to send engineers out to review it.

A Croydon Council spokesperson said: “A review of the scheme has now taken place, and although it was found to be fully compliant with regulations, a decision has been made to install an advanced warning sign in the coming weeks.

“The extra signage will go beyond the legal requirements, and act as an extra advanced warning for drivers entering the Haling Road school street.”

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