Investigate the road fines

Published: 18 February, 2011

• I WAS interested to read the article about Westminster’s traffic enforcement (front page,  February 11).

A few months ago, a London taxi driver friend of mine, showed me a summons he had received from Westminster City Council.

It showed a photo of his taxi, proceeding St Martin’s Lane, in a perfect, straight, line.

Yet Westminster’s parking chief Kevin Goad and his camera team decided that the taxi had made an illegal right turn into William IV Street.

The photo clearly shows that the taxi was in fact at least 10 yards away from (the turning into) William IV Street; you could even see the white lines in front of the taxi.

My friend contested the summons, pointing out this had been an obvious mistake. But the city council threatened to take the matter to court if the fine was not paid.

It took at least three months before the summons was dropped, and no apology was forthcoming.

In my opinion, Mr Goad and his camera team should be kicked out of office, and an independent investigation should take place. 

As for Westminster Council, they should be taken through the courts for wrongly taking money!

DAVID GOLDSTEIN
London Taxi Driver, Elm Park