I wish to complain about a dangerously placed bus lane at the junction of King Charles Road and Ewell Road, Tolworth.

On the 29th and 30th July I turned left out of King Charles Road onto Ewell Road. Being stationary I viewed the traffic to my right and straight ahead as it is a crossroads. It was clear. I turned left. Unbeknown to me I was immediately in a bus lane for a few yards. There was road works everywhere up to Tolworth roundabout and people were able to use bus lanes. This position of the bus lane gave no warning you were turning into one as you are concentrating on safety. The road is clear to the right and ahead. They know people would be distracted by this and enter straight away into the bus lane. Amazingly the camera catches you as you enter. It is purposely set up knowing one would fall foul to this and I did two days running and I am a very aware safe driver.

Apparently I have spoken to locals and many have been done by this do they are aware but strangers get caught out. The reason I have taken to this route was I have lost my job and was trying to avoid the snarl up of traffic road works due to restaurants tipping their fat and oils into the sewage system so it was murder as you well know. I had to visit again the next day over other paperwork and went the same route.

The Ewell Road Tolworth High St and the run up to Tolworth roundabout was awash with roadworks and people were allowed to go through bus lanes anyway.

This is a money making racket, this turning onto a bus lane, and it must stop. Not only are they stealing hard earnt money from innocent victims it is a damn dangerous positioning of a bus lane.

I have informed Watchdog as well. I have the paperwork and photos and the sad thing is thousands of people are being fleeced by Kingston Borough Council. This is not neighbourhood friendly to locals and to me they are abusing the system and they are no different to a burglar or a thug stealing from you. I am unemployed. I am in shock as to what to do. I have only just signed on and about to receive first payment next week and that will not even cover these two fines. I need money to go to interviews. This has ruined me from the start.

Sherrie Robinson



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