Repayments to motorists hit by bridge-crossing fines on agenda

York Council has faced criticism over a trial scheme in the city restricting drivers using the landmark Lendal Bridge.

The authority has said the trial aimed to tackle the city’s congestion problems. But it came under fire over the scheme to penalise private drivers using the bridge between 10.30am and 5pm with a £60 fine, which intensified after a motorist successfully challenged his penalty notice in a move which suggested the council might not have the power to issue fines.

Now a report will be taken to a special meeting of the council’s cabinet on Tuesday, August 5, to ask members to approve recommendations in relation to the 
decision made by the Traffic 
Penalty Tribunal over appeals against fines for breach of the Lendal Bridge Traffic Regulation Order.

A York Council spokesman said: “In order to protect the council against the risk from fraudulent claims a simple application process is currently in development and it is anticipated that this will be launched in the coming weeks.

“Whilst the council appreciates that those affected by this process will wish to make their application at the earliest possible date, payments will only be made when requests are made through the official application process and contacting the council prior to the opening of the process will not be necessary or assist in any claims.”

A spokesperson for the council’s Labour group said: “Following the announcement of the council’s intention to take a 
decision to voluntarily repay fines as a gesture of goodwill, we were keen to ensure this decision was made following the appropriate democratic process as soon as possible to give clarity to the public”.