NEARLY £1.5 million has been paid in PCN fines since the introduction of the Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) trials in Ealing.

It was announced in January that ANPR cameras would replace bollards, in order to allow emergency services and blue badge holders to pass through.

At the full council meeting last week (April 27), cllr Jasbir Anand informed the Council that the exact figure was £1.469 million.

Anti-LTN group, One Ealing, has since voiced its anger at the large sums paid.

A One Ealing spokesperson said: "One Ealing was shocked to learn how much the Council has made in fines from the LTN trials.

"The Council has now established a revenue stream from these trials which we feel is wrong."

An Ealing Council spokesperson said: "ANPR camera enforcement was introduced to replace bollards in trial LTNs in response to feedback from local people and the emergency services and more than 60% of PCNs issued so far have been to drivers who do not live in the borough.

"All LTNs are marked with clear signage in line with Department for Transport guidance, providing warning of camera enforcement and that the route is not open to vehicles.

"The council issued warnings without fines for several weeks to allow people to adjust to new routes.

"All money received from PCNs is ring-fenced for highways and transport improvements and freedom passes."

Pro-LTN group, Better Ealing Streets, was approached for comment, but declined to do so.