I received a PCN from Camden Council on 03/03/2026 at 08:56 for allegedly parking in a suspended bay (code 21r) on Eton Avenue.
However, I parked the vehicle earlier on 26/02/2026, several days before the PCN was issued.
At the time I parked, I checked the nearest signpost to my vehicle, and there was no suspension notice displayed on it. Based on this, I reasonably believed the bay was valid for parking and left my car there.
The council has issued the PCN on the basis that a suspension sign was placed on another signpost further down the street, approximately 5–6 car lengths away from where my vehicle was parked.
My understanding is that suspension signage should be clear, visible, and placed in a way that adequately informs motorists using the bay. In this case:
The nearest signpost to my vehicle had no suspension notice, which is what a driver would reasonably rely on.
The sign relied upon by the council was too far from the vehicle to reasonably alert me that the specific section of bay I parked in was suspended.
There was no clear indication that the suspension extended to the exact position of my vehicle.
I had no reason to check multiple signposts further down the road, especially after confirming the nearest one had no restriction. See below images.
https://imgpile.com/p/gjP0SOpI've already sent an appeal to Camden which they have rejected. I have another week before the discount period is over.
Should I pay?
PCN details:
PCN Number: CU73951435
Date of Notice: 03/03/2026
Location: Eton Avenue
Contravention: Parked wholly or partly in a suspended bay or space