Sidcup residents are calling out TfL after new speed cameras and a new speed limit were implemented on a busy road, calling it a “scandal”.

The speed limit on the A20 from Sidcup to Swanley has recently been changed by TfL from 70mph to 40 mph and residents felt that this came “without warning”.

As well as the new speed limit, residents have said that new speed cameras have been put in place to enforce this change, leaving many people worried that they will be fined for a speed limit change they did not know about.

One resident has called the change “ridiculous”.

They said: “The new speed limit is totally inappropriate for the road and the way it has been implemented, with zero warning and minimal signage, is a scandal.

“Many local residents, and regular road users, are terrified that they have gone through at the old speed without realising the change and risk losing their licence.

“Residents fear having accidentally gone through at over 30mph above the ‘new limit’.

“This would mean a driving ban.

“A number of us have tried contacting TFL and Highways with no joy.

“Many of us want to know exactly when the new cameras went up and when did they go ‘live’ in enforcing the new limit.”

Many people in the area have taken to social media to air their frustrations.

Katherine Trill took to X, formerly known as Twitter, and said: “Hi TfL, there has been a change in speed limit from 50 to 40 on a section of the A20 as it goes past Sidcup.

“But, I can’t find anything about when exactly the enforcement of this will begin.

“When is it please?

“Also, was an active decision made not to white paint advertise this change?”

A user named Emily added: “@MayorofLondon @TfL out of nowhere, you have decreased the speed limit on te A20 Sidcup to Swan;ley from 70mph to 40mph with totally inadequate road signage.

“The speed limit signs are very small and poorly placed.

“It is going to cause a major accident.

“Please sort this out.”

Another X user tweeted: “Why has the speed limit on the A20 between Sidcup and Swanley been reduced from 70mph to 40mph in the past day or so with no warning?

“Is this permanent?

“It’s very confusing for locals who feel caught out.”

However, TfL has confirmed that the speed limit change has been put in place for safety reasons as a result of surface water flooding and water sheeting.

TfL says it will be installing extra, temporary signs to make sure that drivers are aware of the change.

A TfL spokesperson said: “Safety is our number one priority and we have temporarily introduced a 40mph speed limit on the A20 Sidcup Road due to ongoing surface water flooding and water sheeting which has caused a number of safety concerns.

“This presents a serious risk to road users and this reduced speed limit will stay in place until permanent drainage measures can be installed. 

“The new speed limit signage is compliant with the traffic sign regulations, and has been approved by the Metropolitan Police Service, however we will be installing additional temporary signage to ensure drivers are aware of the change in speed limit.”

TfL has also said that it has been in contact with the Metropolitan Police to ensure enforcement of the speed limit will not start until the new signs are put in place.

It added that the speed camera signs installed on the A20 comply with the traffic sign regulations.