Council Raises £360,000 from One Traffic Camera as Churchgoers Face £160 Fines

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, October 11, 2026

Richmond Upon Thames council introduced strict daily traffic bans on North Worple Way in September 2024, limiting vehicle access to reduce congestion but causing significant difficulties for blind resident Jacqueline Venus and parishioners attending St Mary Magdalen church. The restrictions have led to thousands of fines, reduced church attendance, and complaints from mourners and residents, with calls to relax the rules on weekends to alleviate the impact on vulnerable community members.

For nearly two decades, Jacqueline Venus has regularly visited her father’s grave at St Mary Magdalen church in Richmond, southwest London. The 62-year-old, who is blind and relies on friends and family for transportation, faces growing difficulties since Richmond Upon Thames council implemented new traffic restrictions on North Worple Way in September 2024.

The council banned westbound vehicle access on this narrow cul-de-sac between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., every day of the week, aiming to reduce rat-running traffic escaping congestion on Mortlake High Street. Enforcement is managed by a single camera, which issued over 4,000 fines in the most recent financial year, generating approximately £360,000 in revenue, according to official figures.

The restrictions have sparked concern among the St Mary Magdalen parish community. Father Adrian McKenna-Whyte stated that attendance at some services has dropped by up to a third, predominantly affecting elderly and less mobile parishioners fearful of incurring fines. He described the new traffic rules as a cause of “real and ongoing distress” and criticised the council’s decision to extend the restrictions into weekends. “The only clear effect of extending these restrictions into the weekend is to limit the number of people able to attend Mass here,” he said.

The penalty for passing the camera in the restricted hours is a £160 fine, reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days. Venus recounted incidents where her brother received two fines while driving her to the cemetery and expressed frustration at the council’s refusal to grant exemptions for blue-badge holders like herself. Calls to the council and its enforcement contractor, she said, resulted in a suggestion to park outside the restricted zone and walk in, an option she considers unfeasible.

Mourners and funeral directors have also been affected. Jasmin Solomon was fined following her grandmother’s funeral procession when she followed the hearse to the church—a vehicle that was also fined. Solomon described the fine, which increased to £280 after being unpaid, as “disgusting” and likened the scheme to a “honey trap.” Her mother, Lynda Bazely, who also received a fine for visiting the parish priest to discuss funeral arrangements, appealed unsuccessfully despite providing a letter from Father McKenna-Whyte explaining the situation.

The church itself was not consulted before the introduction of the restrictions and only became aware of the changes after they were implemented. Father McKenna-Whyte has repeatedly contacted the council and raised the matter with local Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Olney but has received no satisfactory explanation for the decision to enforce the ban for 12 hours daily, seven days a week. He has suggested lifting restrictions on Sundays at minimum, noting that the council’s recommended alternate route is unsuitable for hearses and has caused further ticket appeals.

Local residents broadly supported the traffic reduction plan during a 2023 consultation, citing previous traffic issues on North Worple Way. However, some noted that the restrictions have caused confusion for taxis, delivery drivers, and visitors unfamiliar with the area. Several residents criticised the road signage as insufficiently prominent, potentially leading to unintended fines.

A Richmond council spokesperson defended the scheme, emphasizing its origins in resident support and its aim to improve safety and reduce shortcutting through the street. The council stated that St Mary Magdalen Church remains accessible without requiring a permit or crossing the enforcement camera. Officials added they have advised the church on alternate routes and will continue efforts to inform visitors about access arrangements.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.