Free Traffic Legal Advice

Hi All,

At the end of August 2025 I received a PCN (code 71) for parking in error in an EV charging place at Branksome Chime, Bournemouth. I do not dispute this fact, however, I am currently appealing this PCN on the basis of inconsistent signage. At Branksome Chime, there are, I believe, four EV parking bays, however, only 3 of these bays are clearly marked on the ground with the 'blue background white car with charging lead' symbol. As you can guess, I inadvertently parked in Bay 4, where such ground markings do not exist, hence the lack of consistency IMHO. I appealed on the grounds of inconsistent signage, but this was rejected by BCP Council. I now have until the end of October in which to pay the £80 or wait until I receive the NtO to challenge further. For reference, the vehicle is registered in Germany, so the NtO may take a while to reach me.



I attach below a link to the PCN and the images that I took on the day, clearly highlighting the lack of ground markings for Bay 4, along with the images taken by the enforcement officer for comparison:




https://imgpile.com/p/X5R9j7B?mediaPage=1

https://imgpile.com/p/X5R9j7B?mediaPage=2


Here is a google maps link to the car park in question:



https://maps.app.goo.gl/VYgc94gkzVAkNd3GA



I would be sincerely grateful for any opinions on whether I have sufficient grounds to continue my challenge. Please forgive me if I have posted the above without incorporating all of the posting rules and thank you kindly in advance of your time/opinions.

Herzberg?

Anyway, I'd forget it.

You are not German judging by your command of written English or, if you are, I take my Hut off to you.

They can't enforce this. An NTO can only be raised against a UK address on the DVLA database.

I've just seen that Bournemouth parking penalties have gone up hugely - is your PCN for £160, £80 at discount? I think they also have a tow truck.

For peace of mind you may want to pay the discounted penalty if you are using the car there. But the most likely outcome is they will write it off.

Thanks kindly again for all the replies.

I had a friend re-visit the car park for me and the signage states that 'contravening parking regulations maximum penalty £70'. Note there is no separate signage relating to the EV parking. Said sign can be viewed here:

https://imgpile.com/p/49goAJv

I would think this hampers BCP's ability to impose the full £160 fine (discounted to £80 for quick payment)?

Really grateful for the continued feedback/advice.

Let's see both sides of the PCN and their rejection letter.

Thank you Stamfordman, as requested:

Front cover of PCN:

https://imgpile.com/m/vYXMtu3

Back cover of PCN:

https://imgpile.com/p/F1aTqWV

Front cover of rejection letter:

https://imgpile.com/p/vQKEJov

Second page of rejection letter:

https://imgpile.com/p/4SeQQ1j

Thank you kindly in advance of any further comments/opinions/recommendations. I am grateful to all posters for their input.

I've checked the council pics and there's only one sign taken and that's the pay by RingGo one, not the terms board.

But the terms board is of now not possibly on 30 August as they were running a trial in August as per:

https://www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/parking/trial-for-increased-parking-fines-and-penalty-charge-notices-pcn

The current penalties are back to £50/£70.

They refer to TSRGD 2016 but this doesn't apply to off-street car parks.

As they've not included a pic of the terms board maybe they hadn't changed it for the trial...

Thank you again Stamfordman. The sign was definitely not changed as it appears like for like (including cosmetic scratches) in a Google streetview image from June 25. Does the fact that they did not change the sign or temporarily amend the reported restrictions on said signage mean they cannot enforce the higher penalties?

I'm wondering if the trial applied to off-street car parks anyway - I'll see if I can dig up the temporary order.

Thank you kindly.

Says it applies to on- and off-street which makes sense as the CEO's machine gave you £160 for an off-street code 71.

https://www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/news-hub/news-articles/bcp-council-to-trial-increased-parking-fines-to-make-seafront-safer-and-more-accessible

I guess to avoid this just wait until they try and serve an NTO...

Thank you for confirming Stamfordman. My question remains though, to enforce the higher penalties during the August trial period, surely reference would need to be made to this on the car park signage? Surely the restrictions listed on the fixed car park signage overrule any temporary measure, unless otherwise stated on said sign?