In February 2005, Call Sign published an article by David Kupler (Y74) who was one of several Dial-a-Cab drivers that had received Penalty Charge Notices for doing a U-turn in Southampton Row.
   At around that time, we heard from Paul Tully (Y40) who had also received a PCN for the same offence. He too wrote to Camden Council and not only had his PCN cancelled, but received acknowledgement from the council that the points Paul has raised about their signage – the same as David Kupler’s - had been noted and passed onto the relevant departments.
   Part of David and Paul’s defence against Camden Council was that any driver turning left into Southampton Row from Vernon Place couldn’t see the ‘No U-turns’ sign. Eventually David and the other drivers that had appealed, all won their cases. That was well over 3 years ago, yet Call Sign has now heard from DaC’s Bob Stafford (N75) who did exactly the same as David and Paul did in 2005, but for all Camden’s fine words, has also received a PCN for doing so.
   Bob told this magazine: "I was empty and turned left into Southampton Row from Vernon

THE CAMDEN RIP-OFF MERCHANTS?

Place. Soon after, I accepted a radio job and had to turn round to head south. The first no U-turn
sign can’t be wholly seen from Vernon Place as you turn in, while the second one is further down but is obstructed from view if there are buses there – as there usually are. I did my U-turn and received a PCN."
   Bob decided to WALK his route just to confirm to himself that the signs were poorly sited. Happy that he was correct, he refused to
pay the £120 (reduced to £60 if paid within 28 days) and appealed on those grounds to Camden Council. In his appeal, he also told

them that he would be advising all taxi drivers as well as Transport for London.
   In their response, Camden Council agreed to cancel the PCN due to what they referred to as "a problem with the signage" – something they had apparently decided to look at 3 years ago!
   The council then had the nerve to add that Bob should "…please be advised that future contraventions of this nature may not be treated in the same way."
   Call Sign recommends that any driver who has paid a fine to Camden Council over the past 3 years for doing a u-turn in Southampton Row, ask for their money back. Bob’s PCN reference number is CU13686540.
   We also believe that any council who are told that their signage is incorrect, agree to look at it and then take money of those who would just pay up quietly are nothing short of rip-off merchants. Call Sign is open for Camden’s comments. A copy of the mag will be sent on to them…

Alan Fisher