Islington Council fines drivers £90m on Benwell Road

Islington Council issued 11,258 penalty charge notices (PCNs) on Benwell Road over a 12-month period, from January 2025 to January 2026. This figure represents an average of more than 30 fines issued daily on the single north London road. The council issues approximately 400,000 PCNs annually, a rate reported as one of the highest in the country, according to The Times.

Driver's dispute over signage

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Joel Meadows, 53, received an £80 fine in January after turning onto Benwell Road. His appeal, based on claims of inadequate signage and lack of warning, was rejected in May. The initial fine subsequently increased to £329 due to a prolonged dispute. Mr Meadows has lodged a further challenge with traffic enforcement authorities and is awaiting a decision. He told The Times that the road's labelling is "deliberately misleading" and questioned whether over 11,000 people could be mistaken in a year. He stated there was no advance warning of the restriction when entering Benwell Road from Drayton Park Road, with signage only appearing about three-quarters of the way down the street.

Mr Meadows added that the road does not indicate it is part of a low traffic neighbourhood (LTN) or a no-entry zone for cars at its entrance. He believes it is "massively unfair" and that drivers would avoid the road if they were aware of the upcoming LTN restriction at the outset.

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Islington Council awarded a ten-year contract, potentially worth up to £90.9 million, to Marston Holdings in May last year. This contract covers parking enforcement, cashless parking, and associated services. Benwell Road is part of an LTN scheme, introduced to reduce residential traffic, promote walking and cycling, and lower carbon emissions. Critics of LTNs often cite unclear signage or poorly positioned planters as points of confusion for drivers.

The council maintains that its signage on Benwell Road fully complies with legal requirements. Officials state that three circular 'no motor vehicle' signs, along with permit exemptions and a camera warning, are clearly visible at the restriction point. Islington Council has indicated no plans to alter the signage. The council also noted that while over 11,000 PCNs were issued between January 2025 and January 2026, the number of fines has fallen significantly since then, suggesting improved driver compliance.

Councillor Rowena Champion, executive member for environment, air quality and transport at Islington Council, defended the LTN measures. She stated that all traffic restrictions are advertised clearly and in accordance with legal requirements, and that all appeals are carefully considered through the statutory process. Cllr Champion said the aim of these restrictions is to decrease cut-through traffic, create safer streets with reduced speeds and road danger, and ensure Islington's neighbourhoods are safe for residents. She added that by reducing unnecessary traffic, the council is contributing to a healthier and safer borough for everyone.