Two yellow box junctions in South London, which have generated more than £450,000 in penalty charge notices in just eight months, have been officially declared legally compliant by council officers. Kingston Council is now set to vote against making any changes to their layout or enforcement, despite local accusations that they function as a cash cow.
Controversial Junctions Spark Council Meeting
The enforcement of the yellow boxes on Kingston Road, at its junctions with Elm Road and Westbury Road, has long been a source of contention. Data obtained through a Freedom of Information request revealed that from January to August last year, 6,568 fines were issued, raising approximately £451,405 for the authority. This equated to around £2,000 per day.
Independent councillors James Giles, Yvonne Tracey, and Kamala Kugan called for a special meeting of the New and Old Malden Neighbourhood Committee after residents and businesses expressed serious concerns. They argued the junctions were prioritising revenue generation over fair traffic management.
Council Report Defends Safety Purpose
In a new report prepared for the meeting scheduled for January 22, council officers investigated the claims. They concluded that the layout and enforcement of the junctions were both legally compliant and proportionate.
The report emphasised that the primary aim of the yellow boxes is to improve road safety and traffic flow, not to generate income. It noted that the number of fines issued has actually fallen over recent years, suggesting improved driver compliance:
- 2021/2022: 10,288 PCNs
- 2022/2023: 8,888 PCNs
- 2023/2024: 8,758 PCNs
- 2024/2025: 7,359 PCNs
The cameras at these junctions, which have been in place since at least 2015 with enforcement beginning in 2020, issue a £160 fine to drivers who stop in the yellow grid without a clear exit, reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days.
No Changes Recommended Despite Backlash
Council officers have recommended that no alterations be made to the controversial yellow box junctions. Their proposal is to maintain the current layout but to provide separate enforcement data for each junction in future to enhance transparency.
The report stated: "Officers are satisfied that the junction layouts are legally compliant and enforcement is proportionate. It is therefore proposed that no changes are made but the junctions be kept under review."
It was also highlighted that any surplus income from traffic enforcement, by law, must be ring-fenced for specific uses such as highways maintenance. Councillors will vote on the recommendations at the neighbourhood committee meeting later this month.
