Fines totalling nearly £1 million have been issued to motorists for driving past cameras set up to enforce traffic-reduction schemes, Enfield’s Conservative group has revealed.

The Conservatives criticised Enfield Council for issuing more than 28,000 fines this year as part of its low-traffic neighbourhood (LTN) schemes, claiming the signs put up to warn drivers they should not pass through are unclear.

They also accused the council of hypocrisy after a camera enforcement car was spotted with its engine idling in Fox Lane, Palmers Green.

In response to questioning by the Tories, council officers revealed that up to December 7, penalty charge notices adding up to more than £921,000 had been issued to drivers caught by cameras in the Meadway, Fox Lane and Warwick Road.

Shadow finance chief Cllr James Hockney (Conservative, Bush Hill Park) said: “The hypocrisy of this council is breathtaking. They talk about a climate emergency while creating more pollution and milking the taxpayer.”

LTNs are designed to cut pollution and rat-running by reducing through-traffic in residential areas. The cameras, rolled out this year as part of the Fox Lane and Bowes LTNs, allow access for emergency vehicles while penalising other drivers who pass through.

An Enfield Council spokesperson said: “The signing requirements for various traffic restrictions are set down in the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 and the Department for Transport’s accompanying Traffic Signs Manual.

“The signs for the recently introduced ‘No Motor Vehicle’ restrictions in the Fox Lane and Bowes LTN exceed the requirements set out, making the restrictions as clear as possible for motorists. The council has also ensured that signs are included in each location to highlight that the restrictions are being enforced by camera – again going beyond what is required.

“The vehicle idling legislation guidance has an exemption for idling vehicles “where machinery on a vehicle requires the engine to be running”. The vehicle has to be on so the enforcement equipment can be used. However, we are replacing our CCTV enforcement vehicles with electric vehicles in mid-January 2021 as part of the council’s drive to become net carbon-neutral by 2030.”

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