Free Traffic Legal Advice

hi all,

I have been hit with a £160 PCN while trying to park on Southall Broadway, by a overeager CEO & his Phone Camera! 

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kqMbEma9ppRGFTBt6 (outside shop)

Sitation:

I wanted to Park in a White-marked bay which was restriced 7am-7pm. It had struck 7pm so i found a suitable bay. I did then see yellow signs for "Parking Suspension" and proceeded to get out the car to check. I realised parking was Suspended on the day in question so immediately proceeded to get back in the car to move on. Turned on my engine and checked the rear etc - At this point like a Pouncing Tiger - a Cival Enforcement Officer coming from nowhere was seen snapping photos of my Car Reg from the pavement. As I was in the process of driving off in any case, I carried on driving as quickly as i could.

I feel this is predatory behaviour of Ealing Councils's CEO who literally pounced on my car snapping photos of me like a paparazzi and did not give any grace period or discretion, seeing that i had stopped to check the sign and was in the process of moving on after understanding the bay was temporarily suspended

Finally - the letter header (under "DO NOT IGNORE") is factually incorrect - the CEO had NOT "begun to prepare a PCN note for service", all they had done is take photos

Appreciate any help from the Forum Experts - see their Letter Attached (PDF)

thanks - yes i was in the car as advised, and in process of moving on, having checked the sign up close and suspension dates were in effect etc

Please advise what i do from here - write an appeal or what process to follow please? i wish to fight this and take it all the way

Very well done ! We don't see councils giving way very often.