More than 17,000 fines were issued to drivers on a pedestrianised street in central Croydon last year which has been called a "money trap."

Surrey Street, which is only about 200m long, is famous for its historic market dating back to the 13th century, which operates seven days a week selling fresh produce and artisan specialities.

According to a Freedom of Information request, between February 1 and December 31, 17,640 penalty charge notices were issued to drivers caught on camera entering the street, which is a pedestrianised zone.

Given each fine is £65, this would have generated at least £1,146,600 in revenue for Croydon council.

Kevin Boyle, 68, who successfully appealed a fine he received earlier this month, feels signs indicating traffic restrictions are not properly visible.

"It's a money trap," he said.

"I had no idea Surrey St was recently pedestrianised, so ended up receiving two fines in one day. You can't easily see the signs telling you it's restricted until walk back to look at them after you've already been forced to enter the street.

"Given the busy nature of the area, drivers don't have the chance to spot the signs when they turn onto the street since they're so focused on avoiding pedestrians."

Your Local Guardian: Kevin Boyle

Mr Boyle, a retired teacher from Addiscombe, sent a detailed appeal to the traffic adjudicator.

His appeal was granted and the fine revoked on the basis that the signage did not adequately communicate the "nature and extent of the restriction to motorists."

A spokesman for Croydon Council said: “Croydon Council takes on board the decision of the adjudicator, having contested the appeal in good faith, and the Penalty Charge Notices have been cancelled.

“While the council has fully considered the Adjudicator’s views on the signage, the vast majority of adjudications regarding PCNs issued in Surrey Street have supported the council's view that the signage is legally compliant and fit for purpose.”

Mr Boyle argues that warnings should be visible in the area surrounding the street, to ensure motorists are aware of the regulations in advance.

Your Local Guardian: One of the signs

The traffic signs manual, a guidance document setting out how road signs should be displayed, recommends that advance notification signs advising motorists of an up-coming limitation on direction of travel should precede pedestrianised streets.

Surrey Street market may have existed as early as the Anglo Saxon period, with the earliest records tracing it back to 1236-37.

Located in central Croydon, various stalls line the street selling fruit, vegetables, clothes and other items.