N LESS than 40 days, hapless motorists have faced fines that could total a massive �144,120. The cause is claimed to be contractors allegedly damaging sensors on bollards designed to stop illegal right-turns during a four hour period each day. Freedom o

N LESS than 40 days, hapless motorists have faced fines that could total a massive �144,120.

The cause is claimed to be contractors allegedly damaging sensors on bollards designed to stop illegal right-turns during a four hour period each day.

Freedom of Information figures supplied by Barking and Dagenham Council revealed that 2,402 motorist had received tickets after driving on the junction between Renwick Road and Bastable Avenue between January 25 and March 3. The junction has a time-restricted ban on right-turn entries being in place between 6am and 10am.

Last week the POST reported that worried mum of three, Carol Wren, of nearby Chelmer Crescent, Barking, was calling for the return of automatic safety bollards which used to stop cars from using the road as a short cut.

It is believed motorists thought that entry was allowed because the bollards have not been in use since last October.

Linda Durkin, who was fined �60 after driving into the road last month, said: "There used to be metal barriers coming up. Since they have been gone, I thought I could go down there."

The sign informing motorists about the ban was hard to see, she said.

Donna Mattheou, who was also caught on CCTV and fined, said: "It makes my blood boil. You can't read the sign when you approach it at 30 mph.

"How many mothers taking their children to school have been fined?

"The council is making more money out of it."

At least �144,120 could be realised in fines if all of the 2,402 tickets were paid within 14 days. After 14 days, the �60 charge goes up to �120.

Barking MP Margaret Hodge says her her office was apparently inundated with calls and letters from Thames View Estate residents, and asked the council for the information on how many tickets were issued.

She said: "It's really important that the bollards are up and back to working order as soon as possible to put a stop to the rat running."

It is thought that the detectors operating the bollards were damaged during Transport for London road works for the new East London Transit bus route.

Most of the tickets were issued for drivers doing right-turns between 6am and 10 am.