Driver Wins Legal Battle Against Kingston Council Over Roadworks Fine In a victory for motorists, a driver has successfully challenged a £130 roadworks fine issued by Kingston Council. The ruling has implications for potentially thousands of other drivers who may be entitled to refunds. The driver, identified only as Mr. D, argued that the council had failed to provide adequate signage warning of the roadworks on the A3 in Kingston-upon-Thames. The court agreed, finding that the council had breached its legal duty to ensure that drivers were given sufficient notice of the roadworks. The judge ruled that Mr. D was entitled to a refund of his fine and awarded him £2,000 in costs. The decision has raised concerns that thousands of other drivers who may have received similar fines may also be eligible for refunds. According to reports, the council issued over 3,000 roadworks fines on the A3 during the period in question. Driver representative groups have warned that these drivers may now be entitled to claim back their money. One such group, the RAC, has called on Kingston Council to contact all affected drivers and refund them immediately. The RAC also urged other councils to review their roadworks signage to ensure that it meets legal requirements. The council has stated that it is considering its options following the court’s decision. It is possible that the council could appeal the ruling or may choose to amend its roadworks signage to avoid future challenges. The case highlights the importance of ensuring that councils follow proper procedures when setting up roadworks. Drivers must also be aware of their rights and should not hesitate to challenge fines if they believe they are unfair or unjust.2024/25 UEFA Conference League First Qualifying Round Draw
2024/25 UEFA Conference League First Qualifying Round Draw Draw Procedure * 50 teams were divided into five groups of ten teams each (groups 1 to 5). * Within each group, teams were divided into equal numbers of seeded and unseeded teams. Groupings Group 1 * Seeded: KF Shkendija, FK Buducnost Podgorica, Inter Club d’Escaldes, KF Tirana, La Fiorita 1967 * Unseeded: FK Velež Mostar, FC Torpedo Kutaisi, FC Malisheva, FC Noah, FC Isloch Minsk Region Group 2 * Seeded: Breidablik, F91 Diddeleng, SP Tre Penne, St Joseph’s FC, Crusaders FC * Unseeded: Floriana FC, Shelbourne FC, Athletic Club Escaldes, GFK Tikves, Caernarfon Town FC Group 3 * Seeded: FC Dinamo Tbilisi, FK Partizani, FC Milsami Orhei, FK Sarajevo, FC Urartu * Unseeded: FC Torpedo, FC Aktobe, Marsaxlokk FC, FK Mornar, JK Tallinna Kalev Group 4 * Seeded: KuPS Kuopio, B36 Torshavn, FCI Levadia Tallinn, Connah’s Quay Nomads FC, KF Vllaznia * Unseeded: FA Šiauliai, NK Bravo, FK Auda, FC UNA Strassen, Valur Group 5 * Seeded: FK Žalgiris, Linfield FC, Paide Linnameeskond, FK Liepaja, Derry City FC * Unseeded: Bala Town FC, Vikingur, Stjarnan, VPS Vaasa, FCB Magpies Drawing Procedure * Teams within each group were randomly assigned numbers: 1-5 for seeded teams and 6-10 for unseeded teams. * Three bowls were used: one for seeded teams in groups 1-5, one for unseeded teams in groups 1-5, and an empty third bowl. * One ball was drawn from each of the first two bowls and placed in the empty bowl. * The teams represented by those numbers played against each other, with the first team drawn being the home team for the first leg. * The process was repeated until all matches were determined. Note: * Ranked teams are shown in bold. * Match dates and kick-off times will be announced on June 21, 2024.
A driver who successfully appealed a roadworks fine from Kingston Council has warned that up to 3,000 other drivers may be entitled to refunds. The driver, who wishes to remain anonymous, received a £130 fine for driving through a bus lane closed for roadworks on Kingston Road in September 2021. The driver appealed the fine to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal, arguing that the road signs were unclear and that he was not aware that the bus lane was closed. The tribunal upheld the driver’s appeal and ordered Kingston Council to refund the fine. The driver’s legal representative, Tom Challoner, said: “This is a significant victory for drivers who have been unfairly fined by Kingston Council. The road signs were unclear and confusing, and many drivers were unaware that the bus lane was closed.” Challoner estimates that up to 3,000 other drivers may have been fined for driving through the closed bus lane. He is urging drivers who have received a fine to appeal it to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal. Kingston Council has said it is reviewing the decision of the Traffic Penalty Tribunal and will make a statement in due course.
