Free Traffic Legal Advice

Hi all

I got stung by a cycle lane PCN at this location (where the white toyota is parked):
https://maps.app.goo.gl/6QkYtgBtaLNtPrUT6

It was 5 minutes before the cut off time (6:30 pm)

My wife, who was with me as well as my 18 month old baby.
My wife is not well. She has a long term autoimmune illness and at the time of the PCN, I stopped briefly, on which I thought was a single yellow lane. didn't notice the cycle lane. Anyway, she was not feeling well and felt dizzy and I stopped driving for that reason. and also to feed my baby who was crying at the back, which didn't help the situation.

Do I have a chance with an appeal?
TIA

This is a recent power to issue camera PCNs for cycle tracks.

Stopping for circumstances beyond your control is an exemption.

Our member Hippo may have something such as camera authorisation.

One case refused I can see.

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Case reference   224056122A
Appellant   Txxxxx
Authority   London Borough of Brent
VRM   LS12VDA
   
PCN Details
PCN   BT22900577
Contravention date   04 Sep 2024
Contravention time   14:02:00
Contravention location   Walm Lane
Penalty amount   GBP 130.00
Contravention   Parked wholly or partly on a cycle track
   
Referral date   -
   
Decision Date   07 Mar 2025
Adjudicator   Timothy Thorne
Appeal decision   Appeal refused
Direction   Full penalty charge notice amount stated to be paid within 28 days.
Reasons   After considering all the evidence, for reasons given below, I am satisfied that the contravention occurred and that the Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) was properly issued and served.
There is clear evidence that the vehicle was in contravention as alleged in the PCN.
The evidence also establishes that the restriction was adequately signed according to law. I am satisfied on the balance of probabilities that the signage relating to the restriction was substantially compliant with the relevant regulations, clear and adequate.
The circumstances as explained by the appellant, i.e. that he was not aware of the cycle track despite the clear signage does not constitute a lawful excuse. I have no power to allow an appeal on the basis of mitigation.
I therefore conclude that there are no valid grounds of appeal in this case.

Dear Sir or Madam,

I make formal representations against Penalty Charge Notice [], issued on 20/01/2026 at 18:25 for contravention code 49J (parked wholly or partly on a cycle track).

Factual background

The location is subject to a cycle lane restriction which operates until 6:30 pm. The alleged contravention occurred at 18:25, five minutes prior to the end of the restriction. The vehicle was stopped only briefly.

At the time, I was travelling with my wife and our 18-month-old baby. My wife suffers from a long-term autoimmune illness and became suddenly unwell and dizzy. In addition, our baby was distressed and crying. Given the immediate welfare and safety concerns, I stopped the vehicle momentarily in order to address the situation. The stop was not for convenience, and the vehicle was not left for any longer than was strictly necessary.

Legal grounds and discretion
I acknowledge the importance of cycle lane enforcement. However, I respectfully submit that this case falls squarely within the circumstances where discretion should be exercised.

Under section 87 of the Traffic Management Act 2004, enforcement authorities are required to have regard to the Secretary of State’s Statutory Guidance to Local Authorities on Civil Enforcement of Parking Contraventions.

Paragraph 85 of that guidance states:

“Enforcement authorities have a duty to act fairly and proportionately and are encouraged to exercise discretion sensibly and reasonably, with due regard to the public interest.”

Paragraph 86 further provides:

“Authorities should consider mitigating circumstances and should be prepared to exercise discretion where appropriate, even where a contravention has technically occurred.”

This representation is made on that basis. The vehicle was stopped due to an unforeseen medical and childcare situation, very close to the end of the restriction period, and without any intention to contravene parking controls.

Proportionality

I also respectfully draw attention to the principle of proportionality, which underpins civil enforcement. Given:

- the extremely short time remaining before the restriction ended,
- the brief duration of the stop,
- the genuine medical and welfare circumstances involved,

the issue of a penalty charge in these circumstances appears disproportionate to the purpose of the restriction.

Conclusion

In light of the above, I respectfully request that the authority exercise its discretion and cancel the Penalty Charge Notice.

I confirm that I understand and respect parking and traffic restrictions, and this incident was wholly exceptional.

I look forward to your considered response.