33J Hillingdon - Using a restricted route

Hi all,
I have received the attached Hillingdon PCN for contravention code 33J – using a route restricted to certain vehicles at Longford Roundabout. The vehicle registration, date and time appear to be correct.

I did not notice the restriction signs until I had already committed to taking the exit from the roundabout, at which point it was not safe or practical to change course. The road markings that appear relevant to the lane/movement also seemed partially faded.

I have searched the forum and found three previous Hillingdon 33J threads, including ones discussing the PCN wording and “date of notice/date of service” points. However, those arguments do not appear applicable to my PCN: it says payment is due within 28 days beginning with the date on the notice.

Before I decide whether to pay at the discounted rate or make representations, I would be grateful for any advice on whether there are realistic grounds to challenge this—particularly regarding the signage, faded carriageway markings, the exact alleged restricted movement, or anything defective in the PCN wording.

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tNqiQY1Y1RTWYzK87

Thanks very much for any help.

Hi all,
I have received the attached Hillingdon PCN for contravention code 33J – using a route restricted to certain vehicles at Longford Roundabout. The vehicle registration, date and time appear to be correct.

I did not notice the restriction signs until I had already committed to taking the exit from the roundabout, at which point it was not safe or practical to change course. The road markings that appear relevant to the lane/movement also seemed partially faded.

I have searched the forum and found three previous Hillingdon 33J threads, including ones discussing the PCN wording and “date of notice/date of service” points. However, those arguments do not appear applicable to my PCN: it says payment is due within 28 days beginning with the date on the notice.

Before I decide whether to pay at the discounted rate or make representations, I would be grateful for any advice on whether there are realistic grounds to challenge this—particularly regarding the signage, faded carriageway markings, the exact alleged restricted movement, or anything defective in the PCN wording.

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tNqiQY1Y1RTWYzK87

Thanks very much for any help.

I've looked through the photos and the first thing that catches my eye about the PCN is the fact that on the face of it, there is no statement of what type of restriction you breached. It should say, a route restricted to buses and cycles only, however this is not clearly stated, as 33J = camera enforcement, while it should be 33C, and the images provided on the PCN aren't that clear in showing it either.

Nima Barani v London Borough of Croydon (2250259286, 5 November 2025)

This was allowed based on the facts above, so there is a good chance this PCN is also faulty.

Recent case at this location

This was allowed based on the lack of warning signage displayed.

Also, can you attach all sides of the PCN as well?

There is an advance sign on one of the Bath Road approachs: -
https://maps.app.goo.gl/pmjozxhAPWsR26wN6
but nothing on the A3044 approach, or on the other Bath Road approach

GSV is dated July 2024, so the signage may have been improved, but it does look as though the signage is inadequate

Thanks for your replies and suggestions:

Also, can you attach all sides of the PCN as well?

As far as I understand the next step would be take some recent photos of the area to check if signs has adequate placing?

Thanks for your replies and suggestions:

Quote from: Bulop on August 30, 2026, 11:56:42 am

Also, can you attach all sides of the PCN as well?

As far as I understand the next step would be take some recent photos of the area to check if signs has adequate placing?

Would be a great idea! Especially where you approached from.

Quote from: leon4uk on September 04, 2026, 09:31:44 pm

Thanks for your replies and suggestions:

Quote from: Bulop on August 30, 2026, 11:56:42 am

Also, can you attach all sides of the PCN as well?

As far as I understand the next step would be take some recent photos of the area to check if signs has adequate placing?

Would be a great idea! Especially where you approached from.

The signs are clearly visible, I've just missed the first one and it was too late when I've noticed the second one. Thanks for your help, I am going to pay this PCN. I hope this thread gonna help someone else.