Hertfordshire (St Albans) - code 33c bus/cycle route only - Albatross Way

Hi all, hoping for some advice on this one.

I received a PCN from Hertfordshire County Council for code 33c - driving in a route restricted to buses and pedal cycles only - on Albatross Way, St Albans, detected by an approved camera device.

I was on the roundabout, turning right into the road, and I didn't see the sign warning that it was bus/cycle only until after I'd already turned in. Once I saw it, I realised I couldn't reverse back onto the roundabout. So I continued forward for about 5 metres until I found a spot to do a U-turn and get back out the way I'd come.

My case for representation would be that this was an unavoidable and very brief presence in the restricted route, caused by a road layout that didn't give me adequate warning before the point of no return.

I'd really appreciate views on this and which grounds you'd suggest I use?

Street View link:

PCN:



Thanks!

So you missed this advance sign, then ?



The presence of this sign reduces the strength of your case considerably.

Yep I did. I am stop wondering if there are any grounds to make a representation?

Their video doesn't confirm your narrative. It shows you turning right into the Bus/cycle route and proceeding towards the roundabout. Looking at Google Street View shows the only road to come out of and turn right is the entrance to Hertfordshire Sporrts Village.



You can look at the video using the PCN Number and your car reg. The website is www.pcn.hertfordshire.gov.uk

In addition to the actual restriction signs, there is also a No Right Turn sign facing the exit from the Sports Village : -


Frankly, I cannot think of anything that might form a reasonable appeal at all, maybe you can expand on your narrative. Presumably you drove down ALbatross Way to get to the Sports Village. If you did, you would have seen the Bus Gate signs. Or is there another way in to the Sports Village ?

Ah. I have just looked at the video. It only captures the 2nd half of the incident.

I was travelling West on St Albans Road W and did a right turn north into Albatross Way. I realised my mistake and then turned around at the 1st Road on the left where Comets Junior Badminton Club is (this is where the video starts from) You can then see I then went back to the roundabout and continued west along St Albans Road W.

It’s a bit strange that they only show the 2nd half of the video.

It’s a bit strange that they only show the 2nd half of the video.

Because that's where the camera is. Best that they don't have two, else you'd have received two PCNs !

I'll appeal anyway as they should have the full length video showing me driving in and immediately turning back. There may end up being a procedural error in their response...