Road signs ruled ‘confusing’ after costing motorists £5 million in fines

The floodgates have opened for drivers disputing fines over notorious road signs in north London branded “the most confusing in Britain.”

Motorists have paid more than £5 million for being caught out by an array of nine traffic signs in Grafton Road, Kentish Town, installed in 2006.

But an appeal against a fine this week which claimed the signs can be understood to mean the opposite of what is intended was upheld by the Parking and Traffic Appeals Service (PATAS).

This has prompted calls for the cash taken from all drivers stung in Grafton Road over the years to be reimbursed by Camden council.

Driver Tim Cole, 44, who lodged the appeal after he was fined twice in March, said it should be treated as a “landmark ruling”.

The landscape architect, from Hastings, added: “The signs have to be the most confusing in Britain. The decision by the adjudicator demonstrates without a doubt that the motorists are being trapped and the signs should be taken down and the money returned.”

PATAS adjudicator, Anthony Chan ruled that the “signage was inadequately clear” and revealed a problem “that has not really been addressed by the authority, if at all”.

But Camden council claims it has done nothing wrong and is challenging the decision which it believes to be “flawed”.

Councillor Phil Jones, cabinet member for sustainability, said: “The signage is fully compliant with the regulations in place, and it is our view that when considering the appeal the adjudicator for PATAS has misinterpreted the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions.

 “We will be seeking a review of the adjudicator’s decision in this case as we believe that his interpretation is flawed.”