Kingston Council has agreed to open a review into two 'cash cow' yellow box junctions in Kingston, which made more than £450,000 in just eight months and have been ruled "legally compliant".

The traffic control measures on Kingston Road have attracted anger from local residents, who have accused the council of using them as a money-making scheme.

However, despite residents' complaints Kingston Council was not set to make any changes to the layout or enforcement of the junctions.

But at an explosive meeting last night (Thursday, 22 January),which the council organised after the request of three local councillors, councillors voted overwhelmingly in favour of opening a review into the road safety initiative.

The decision was made despite objections from New Malden Village councillor, Cllr Mark Durrant, who argued the road has become safer for children since the boxes were introduced.

Opposition Leader Cllr James Giles, who has been at the forefront of a campaign to remove the boxes, expressed delight that "so many Lib Dems broke ranks to agree the review".

But with May's local elections on the horizon, he speculated the "move may be party political" – and vowed that if independents were to take control of the committee, the boxes will be "binned for good".

He said: "All I can say on my part is that if independents control this committee after May, it will be removed as first order of business."

The decision comes after Cllr Giles revealed that 15 per cent of all moving traffic Penalty Charge Notices in the borough  are issued at the Elm Road junction, with more than 40,000 being handed down since 2021.

He further stated the junction is larger than plans which were submitted to the tribunal, with the Council losing 40 out of 65 hearings they have fought over the matter.

And Cllr Yvonne Tracey revealed the scheme is also impacting local businesses, with one butcher's shop claiming their delivery man has appealed "too many fines."

Cllr Giles' and Cllr Tracey's anger was shared by meeting spectators, with one saying to rapturous applause that the current setup "hasn't made things safer, or smoother".

The man added: "It's made the junction more stressful, more confusing and is punishing ordinary drivers."

Councillors also voted to look into "surgically removing" part of the longer box, pending legal advice.

It is hoped the move can serve as a stopgap while the future of the road is decided.

A final decision on the boxes is due in six months' time.