Kent driver becomes first to win appeal in A20 speeding dispute

A motorist has become the first person in a long-running saga to successfully appeal against an A20 speeding conviction.

The dispute stems from conflicting speed limit signs on the Kent-bound section of the A20 in Sidcup, south-east London, between October 2023 and October 2024, where a 40mph limit was enforced amid flooding concerns. It resulted in numerous motorists receiving fines despite a rogue 50mph sign remaining.

John Abbott, from Kent, said he “was extremely pleased, not just for myself, but for the thousands of drivers that have been fined in this case”.

Transport for London (TfL) defended the speed limit’s introduction and said it “remains confident” that enforcing it was correct.

Abbott, whose fine was quashed at Kingston Crown Court last month, said the penalties against him and other drivers had been a “massive injustice”.

He said the financial penalties and driving restrictions imposed on motorists had severely impacted their day-to-day lives, led to higher insurance costs, and affected their ability to travel to work and earn a living.