Drivers could soon face fines in Croydon streets which were previously blocked by planters as lockable bollards and traffic cameras will be installed in a bid to stop rat run drivers.

This week, work will begin on removing the full closures on some of the borough’s low traffic neighbourhoods.

Croydon Council will remove planters which currently block off some roads to all drivers.

The council will change seven schemes in South Norwood, Broad Green and Addiscombe.

The cameras will be rolled out in Derby Road, Dalmally Road, Elmers Road, Sutherland Road, Holmesdale Road.

Here, Exemption permits will be available for residents, local school staff, blue badge holders and designated carers, while buses and black cabs will be automatically exempt.

Applications for the permits can be made on the council website from September 5.

The planters will be replaced by lockable bollards in Kemerton Road, Belfast Road and Apsley Road.

This means the roads will remain closed off to residents but emergency services will be able to open them.

The new schemes will run for 18 months initially, starting on September 30, and during the first six months objections can be submitted.

 The LTNs were first introduced with planters blocking off roads during the lockdowns in 2020.

The council said the updated measures will include “much improved early warning signs” for drivers.

Jason Perry, mayor of Croydon said: “Since being elected I have listened to local residents to improve the temporary schemes introduced by the previous administration.

"These changes will open up the roads to make sure more residents have access, and to make it easier for emergency services.

“Improved signage and an exemption scheme for residents in the affected areas will mean local people can once again access their own streets, while still cutting down on rat-running.”