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Parked in a "special enforcement" area adjacent to the footway: Code 27

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#1
Bexley PCN Number: XL2635676A

Ran to collect my iPad from a friend for 6-7 minutes from the block of flats behind...only to get this.

This is the first time I got penalised for this...no signs (apart from "BEWARE OF DOG" and no parking in front of the gates...which I clearly wasn't), no yellow, red or white lines...nothing, to get a £70-£140 charge for this feels criminal.

Advice?
#5
Those gates (both of them) were closed when I arrived, and when I returned.

My car is not close to obstructing the main gate, where a vehicle can come in or out, but the small gate where pedestrians can enter...MORE than enough space for them to go through it, especially a wheelchair.
#6
I can see from Maps it's a recent development with a new dropped footway as the most recent view shows building work. 

The contravention concerns access across the footway from the carriageway and can only be for three things - pedestrian crossing, vehicle access, cycle track. I'd say that small part where you were is none of these and the slight overhang is trivial (the sloping kerbstone doesn't count).

Can you get a picture of the kerb and gate taken from the carriageway - ie the first of the pics I posted but without a car.
Last Edit: January 20, 2026, 07:31:49 pm by stamfordman
#8
Can you reload it on
Upload and share images and video. Free, fast, and no account required. Drop a file, get a link, paste it anywhere.
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- the image disappears for me.

I can see it's good news as the sloping kerbstone looks  to go part-way adjacent to the small gate so there's no way you were by an area that should be relevant to the law, but you may have to tough it out with the council.
#10
In my experience Bexley aren't very good at parking law
I am currently too busy working to take on any except the most unreasonable PCNs.

I help you pro bono (for free). I now ask that a £40 donation is made to the North London Hospice before I take over your case. I have an 85% success rate across 2,000 PCNs but some PCNs can't be beaten and I will tell you if your case looks hopeless before asking you to donate.
#13
Here it is:

Quote
PCN Number: 
Vehicle Registration: 
Date of Issue: 20 January 2026
Location: Seacourt Road, Abbey Wood


Subject: Formal Challenge against PCN [no].

I am writing to challenge the above-mentioned Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) issued for the alleged contravention: "Parked in a special enforcement area adjacent to a footway, cycle track or verge lowered to meet the level of the carriageway."

I believe the PCN was issued incorrectly for the following reasons:


1. No Obstruction to Pedestrian or Vehicle Access

The dropped kerb in question appears to serve a small pedestrian gate. My vehicle was positioned in a way that left "more than enough space" for pedestrians, including wheelchair users, to enter or exit the gate unimpeded. Furthermore, the vehicle was not parked in front of the primary large gates nearby, which are used for vehicle access.


2. Lack of Clarity and De Minimis

There are no road markings (such as a white "H-bar") or signage indicating that this specific area is a restricted "special enforcement area". Given that the overhang is entirely trivial and does not interfere with the purpose of the lowered kerb (pedestrian crossing or vehicle access), I request that this PCN be cancelled on the grounds of de minimis.


The vehicle was only stationary for approximately 6-7 minutes while I collected an item from a nearby property. In light of the evidence showing no actual obstruction and the wheels remaining on the standard kerb line, I trust you will find it appropriate to cancel this notice.

Is this a good start?

Last Edit: January 28, 2026, 02:11:08 am by Mana