Free Traffic Legal Advice

Hi, I received a PCN this week from Derby City Council (issue date 29 Oct 2024) for driving in a bus lane on Traffic Street in the city centre. I pulled onto Traffic St from Hope St, and moved into the far right lane due to going right at the upcoming roundabout.

It was late at night so it was dark and I didn't see any signage advising it was a bus lane. When I checked on google maps after receiving the PCN, there is no signage at eye level or on the tarmac. The nearest 'bus lane' wording on the tarmac is further up the road, and I pulled onto Traffic Street past this, as you'll see on the google maps link.

Again from looking on google maps, where I entered the bus lane, it was not far from the end of the bus lane, probably within 20 metres.

It was not intentional to drive in a bus lane, and I thought I was moving into the correct lane for going right at the roundabout.

PCN:
1: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Zju6F5oCnVZhNz7ZQlEU7ArMspiN6H_J/view?usp=drive_link
2: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Zg-2Vm7lTBh2peKsaC-W9upElE1P8J1N/view?usp=drive_link
3: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AA1dcR-PnYLJg-fRexHjwcnH1a2N2XHg/view?usp=drive_link
4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SWdXfhjV1_nzdZasoAObWGzgz1Ur9ZsW/view?usp=drive_link

Google maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DKDFJyBfG5AzxBZJA

Do you think I have any grounds to appeal, or should I pay the fine whilst the discounted rate is on offer?

From the vehicle images, I looked at where I entered the bus lane, using the arrow on the opposite side of the road as a guide, and its probably 5-10 metres from the end of the bus lane: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Z6hDTdRUDx6rA3hw8

Thanks so much in advance for any advice!

Thank you for the quick reply and for pointing out the sign on approach.

Apologies, I’ve updated the access to the photos now.

Many thanks