WALSALL - BRIDGE STREET - PCN Code 34J - unclear signage, being in a bus lane

Hi guys,

I need your guys' assistance with a template to appeal my PCN.

My council issued a bus lane PCN, which occurred last week, and I believe I was unfairly punished for it.

It was in Walsall Bridge Street, and I'm not that stupid to drive in a clearly marked bus lane as the last one I had received was many moons ago.

I have checked the signage again on Google Maps, and it was a small square board displayed, which states "11pm - 5am" with the blue and white bus symbol, and I admit I did not notice this and also it did not have any signs to say it was camera controlled. Also, there should be enough notice for motorists to read the signage way before you enter the road, which seems like a council money making operation.

My point is that as soon as you reach the traffic light, you have no choice but turn into the bus lane and has caught hundreds of motorists as shown on birmingham mail and many have disputed this and won.

Also, I had a car behind me, as shown in the video of my contravention, so this would have meant that I'm unable to turn my vehicle even if I knew this was a bus lane.

Please can anyone help with what to write in my appeal?

Any help would be much appreciated.
 


Please see PCN on below link:


https://imgur.com/a/F2yXEuf

Sorry, but we need more solid info before meaningful advice can be given. SO please read this and update your thread accordingly. We need to see the video and the PCN, and a GSV link to the location will also be useful.
https://www.ftla.uk/civil-penalty-charge-notices-(councils-tfl-and-so-on)/read-this-first-before-posting-your-case!-this-section-is-for-council-tfl-dartme/

Please see video of contravention and street view location on the below links, I have also added the PCN photo in my original post.




https://www.veed.io/view/49f5ad24-5f5a-4e9e-9044-6440aee6e113?panel=showcase

You can clearly see two cars were behind me in the video, and I immediately pulled over to the left

Maybe you can see two cars, but I can't because your video is set to Private. Please release to Public.

The advance sign is so close to the bus gate sign as to be almost useless, as it gives far too little distance in which to read the times and then work out one must move over to the right lane if within the restricted times. I reckon it is only about 5 yards from the restriction sign, see  this view: -

It's just laughable !

The council muppets being obviously under budget restrictions have merely placed the advance sign on a convenient lamp post. A better lamppost would be the one just after the bus stop, but better it has its own pole. The sign can only be read properly when you are about to pass it.

Hi please see link below for video

The video shows no contravention being committed at all, so this needs to be incorporated into your representations along with the other points.

I agree, it all seems a but strange to me how the council can legally enforce this bus lane....

When you mention representation, does this mean another party involved like a solicitor? Sorry it probably is a daft question

 

I agree, it all seems a but strange to me how the council can legally enforce this bus lane....

When you mention representation, does this mean another party involved like a solicitor? Sorry it probably is a daft question

No.  Your representations is what you write out and submit to the council against the PCN, with reasons for them cancelling it. No lawyers on huge wages, heaven forbid !!

Thanks so much.

Should I pay my pcn now at the reduced rate and then write my appeal? I just fear it may not be accepted in time within the 14 day period?

No!  Do not pay the PCN, doing so will remove your right to appeal.  Discount is normally re-offered when they inevitably reject your first representation; and usually again when they reject your formal representations to the Notice to Owner.  Anything to get you to pay.

There does appear to be a warning sign further up the road, just before the bus stop (and another a bit before that) but it is words only on a blue background, I imagine difficult to read when driving (in the dark, given the operational hours) - others can advise if that is suitable signage.

Hello guys,

I have received a letter in the post, and they have cancelled my PCN 

Hello guys,

I have received a letter in the post, and they have cancelled my PCN 


https://ibb.co/H46LjDJ

Your link doesn't work, but well done anyway !  It's rare to see a council give way so quickly. Obviously they know the signing at that location is rubbish.