Free Traffic Legal Advice

Dear Sir/Madam,

This is my representation to PCN: X

On 21 May 2025 as it was a nice day, I decided to scoot to my UCLH appointment. After my appointment I set off navigating the one way streets between Gower Street and Tottenham Court Road. I found myself in Torrington Place behind a transit van waiting at the red traffic light.
When the traffic light turned green, I turned right into Tottenham Court Road following the transit van positioned at its offside rear - my usual position for riding in traffic ready to filter. Shortly after completing the turn, the van's left turn indicator came on, but ahead I could see the traffic light on the right hand side of the road, was red and I decided there is no point to filter past.

When the traffic light turned green I moved off behind the rear offside corner of the van. As the van began its left turn manoeuvre into Howland Road, my attention was drawn to the two circular side plates on the traffic light on the right hand side of the road I previously looked at (Picture 1). I thought I could see some blue in the top one like it was a mandatory instruction (arrow) – but as I got closer, concluded it must be covered up rather than faded and there is no mandatory instruction/instruction in force, so I continued straight ahead.

I did not knowingly contravene the restriction on particular types of vehicle, but I just did not see any signs relating to it due to;
1. My road position behind the transit van limiting my vision to the left.
2. I was focussing on the traffic light on the right hand side of the road where there is no restriction sign.

This concern of inadequate signage has already been upheld in a two tribunal cases;

Case Reference 2240583109, decided by Adjudicator Sean Stanton-Dunne on 25 March 2025. In that decision, the adjudicator ruled that the signage was inadequate and stated:
"In my judgement, the motorist travelling along Tottenham Court Road will not see the restricted route sign until it is too late to safely avoid using the route... I am allowing the appeal because I agree with Mr Khan that the signage is not adequate for the restricted route."

Case Reference 2240129273, decided by Adjudicator Cordelia Fantinic on 22 April 202. In that decision, the adjudicator also concluded the signage was inadequate and stated:
“I was not able to satisfy myself on the evidence before me, that the restriction was clearly and adequately signposted”
Specifically referring to a lack of signage on the right hand side of the road;
“There does not appear to be any sign on the right hand side of the road, which although not a requirement, is often installed in busy streets to assist with visibility.”

This was not a case of deliberate contravention but an unavoidable and honest mistake. The last time I rode on Tottenham Court Road was 12-15 years ago when it was still a one-way road. I hope Camden Council will take these factors — including the precedent set in the aforementioned cases into account when reviewing my representation.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

I would go for it at London Tribunals, as the cited cases are very recent and Camden, (as  usual) has done absolutely sweet-FA (nothing) to improve the signage. Why should they when this location is a nice little earner for them.

I just got it.....

I was puzzled to receive this PCN but on reviewing the video I can see that from my riding position on my motorbike, I was unsighted by the van in front of me from seeing the only sign about a restriction on vehicles of a certain type at this location.

Case Details
Case reference 2250121019
Appellant Michael Curland
Authority London Borough of Camden