A Crown Court has ruled that the Traffic Order and Notice behind Transport for London’s temporary speed restrictions on the A20 were unlawful – prompting three Conservative MPs to demand urgent action for tens of thousands of motorists caught by the limit.
Louie French, Laura Trott and Gareth Bacon have written to the Mayor of London calling on TfL to set out urgently how affected drivers can have their convictions overturned, penalty points removed and fines refunded.
The judgment marks a significant moment in a two-year campaign by the MPs on behalf of motorists fined for allegedly exceeding the temporary limit.
From 70mph to 40mph
TfL reduced the speed limit on the A20 from 70mph to 40mph in October 2023, citing the risk of severe flooding. But motorists, local MPs and motoring lawyers raised concerns that signage was unclear, too small or too infrequent.
A conflicting 50mph sign added to the confusion, with drivers questioning whether the restrictions were adequately communicated through the average-speed camera zones.
According to media reports at the time, more than 60,000 Notices of Intended Prosecution (NIPs) were issued. Some motorists accumulated multiple fines and penalty points – and some even received driving bans. For residents who rely on their cars to get to work, visit family and earn a living, the MPs say the consequences have been severe.
The row is the latest clash between London’s politicians and TfL, which has also faced pressure over planned bus cuts in Hackney.
“Put things right”
Louie French, MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup, said: “Transport for London’s botched temporary speed limit wrongly punished thousands of motorists. Now we know it was unlawful. Sadiq Khan must urgently explain how those affected can have their cases reviewed, their penalties overturned, and their money returned. They also deserve to know that the mistakes that led to this situation will not be repeated.”
Laura Trott, MP for Sevenoaks, Swanley and the Dartford Villages, said: “This is a huge development and a win for common sense. For too long the Mayor of London and TfL have tried to wash their hands of responsibility. They must now step up and provide justice for the thousands of drivers affected.”
Gareth Bacon, MP for Orpington, said: “For over two years, we’ve been fighting for motorists who were unfairly fined and penalised on the A20, while TfL repeatedly insisted it had done nothing wrong. The Mayor of London must now urgently set out how they can have their convictions overturned, penalty points removed, fines repaid and losses compensated. It’s time for the Mayor to finally put things right.”
The MPs’ letter, sent this week, also seeks clarity on what compensation may be available to motorists who suffered financial losses and other consequences as a result of the enforcement.
The A20 speed limit row: a timeline
- October 2023: TfL cuts the A20 speed limit from 70mph to 40mph, citing the risk of severe flooding.
- 2023–24: More than 60,000 NIPs are issued to drivers caught by average-speed cameras; some face multiple fines, points and bans.
- 2024–26: French, Trott and Bacon campaign for two years on behalf of affected motorists, challenging the signage and the legal basis of the limit.
- October 2026: The Crown Court rules the Traffic Order and Notice underpinning the restrictions unlawful.
- October 2026: The three MPs write to the Mayor of London demanding a route to overturn convictions, remove points, refund fines and pay compensation.
What could happen next for drivers
If the judgment stands, motorists convicted of exceeding the temporary 40mph limit could see those convictions overturned, penalty points removed from their licences and fines refunded – exactly what the MPs are demanding TfL sets out. The letter also raises compensation for financial losses and other consequences, such as higher insurance premiums or lost work following driving bans. No formal process has yet been announced. Drivers who think they were caught by the A20 cameras are advised to keep any paperwork – including NIPs, fixed penalty notices and court documents – and to consider seeking independent legal advice before taking action.
Key figures
- 70 to 40 – the mph cut imposed by TfL on the A20 in October 2023
- 60,000+ – NIPs issued, according to media reports at the time
- 3 – Conservative MPs leading the campaign: French, Trott and Bacon
- 2 – years of campaigning before the Crown Court judgment
Drivers across the capital have endured a difficult year on the roads – the North Circular was shut in east London after a crash earlier this month, causing serious delays. Further disruption lies ahead, with Old Oak Common Lane set to shut for four years from 2028 as HS2 works begin.
