Fined motorists complain of entrapment by 'confusing' signs

Gunnersbury Avenue looking southbound to Chiswick Roundabout. Picture: Google Street View

Motorists are warning about danger of being caught out by new speed limits on the A406 North Circular Road between Popes Lane and Chiswick Roundabout.

In March of this year Transport for London (TfL) sought the public's views in a consultation about proposed changes to this section of Gunnersbury Avenue.

One of the changes proposed was that a 30mph speed limit would be introduced on a section of the road, where there is already a northbound and southbound safety (speed) camera. This proposed measure was designed "to improve safety and provide consistency with adjoining sections of the A406 Gunnersbury Avenue". The 30mph limit southbound starts at Manor Gardens (which is opposite the International School) and carries on to Chiswick Roundabout.

The new limits have led to a discussion on our forum with some confused as to why they have been issued with a fine. There have been suggestions by motorists that confusion caused with the introduction of a 30mph restriction at the same time as a 40 mph average speed check will help the authorities maximise revenues collected from fines.

The 30 mph speed limit has been in place at least since last November on one section of the A406 but it is believed that only recently have fines started to be issued in volume at this location.

According to a resident, a sign on the road has said an average speed camera will come into force on 13 June. He commented; "Most drivers seem to have slowed down already but if you aren't a frequent user of this road you may be unaware. It's easy to nudge over the 40 limit in parts so beware."

Another warned that the cameras are on poles mounted high above the carriage, not marked yellow and the only marking on the carriageway is a single upside down L on each lane.

Similar cameras on the A40 have reaped about £100,000 a month in fines since their introduction, according to the Evening Standard.

TfL said when it launched the consultation that it was responding to the high number of collisions and near misses observed on the A406 Gunnersbury Avenue. There have been five fatalities along the section of the North Circular between Chiswick Roundabout and Gunnersbury Avenue. Their plan is to introduce the 30 mph speed limit northbound and southbound between Chiswick Roundabout and Popes Lane.

Other proposals included the installation of a central reservation, (at the approach to Chiswick Roundabout with another beginning at the turn off for Park Way), wider footways, and improving cycle and pedestrian facilities.

June 10, 2016