council parking ticket by vandalised sign

Hello all,
I recently received a parking ticket with contravention code 25, 'Parking in a loading bay during restricted hours without loading'. Location was High Street, Waltham Cross, Borough of Broxbourne.

However, the signage was clearly inadequate in that it had been sprayed over and was unreadable. See attached. This was the only sign pertaining to this space.

I am guessing that this would be a simple appeal on the grounds of inadequate signage, however I am keen to hear people's input.

https://imgur.com/a/d2u3LwB

Thanks in advance

Well the bay has a loading bay legend but the CEO has kindly taken a pic of the defaced sign but it is readable.

So were you loading? Your van looks to qualify as a goods vehicle.

'Were you loading?'.

That the CEO's photos were taken in daylight at 11am and yours in darkness probably 6+ hours later might be a clue!

Or perhaps the camera does lie?

I was not loading. I was under the impression that the parking regulation had been suspended, and that was why it had been painted over.

Is it fair to expect us to understand that a sign is still in force when, whilst legible, it is covered in paint?