Hi, I'm looking for advice to appeal this PCN with code 26. Car was parked on a hard-standing which has been used for parking by driver for at least 10 years and a small no parking sign was only recently added (but was there during the event). Does code 26 even apply here?
Vehicle was stationary for less than two minutes while driver was dropping off a package. When driver returned to car the traffic warden had started taking pictures but had not placed a PCN on the vehicle yet (not sure if this is relevant). The car can be seen driving off on the last picture. PCN was received by post today.
Google maps does not yet show the sign and satellite pics show that this spot has been used for parking.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/a1EzV1SfzoAsmb497
I've drafted the following appeal. What are my chances?
Dear Sir/Madam,
Re: PCN [Reference], Vehicle [Registration], The Green N21I wish to challenge the above PCN on the ground that no contravention occurred.
On the date in question, my vehicle was stationary for under two minutes solely to unload goods. The Traffic Management Act 2004, Schedule 7 provides that the “double parking” prohibition (code 26) does not apply when a vehicle is stopped for the purpose of loading/unloading, provided the activity is continuous and necessary – which was the case here.
Furthermore, the stop was extremely brief and caused no obstruction. The principle of de minimis applies – a momentary unloading stop is too trivial to justify enforcement.
In addition, the hard-standing opposite 32–34 The Green has been openly used for parking and loading for over a decade without restriction. Only very recently has a small “No Parking” sign been erected. In the absence of clear markings or prior warning, drivers had a legitimate expectation that unloading there was permitted. Sudden enforcement without adequate notice is unfair and contrary to the principles of clear signage and consistent enforcement under the TMA 2004.
For these reasons – (1) statutory unloading exemption, (2) trivial duration, and (3) inadequate notice/legitimate expectation – I respectfully request cancellation of this PCN.
Appendix – Supporting Evidence for PCN Appeal (Code 26, The Green N21)1. Location History (Opposite 32–34 The Green, Enfield N21 1AY)
This hard-standing area has been used as an informal parking/loading spot by residents and delivery drivers for over ten years.
Until very recently, there was no restriction signage or road markings indicating that stopping was prohibited.
2. Street View Evidence (Prior to PCN date)
Google Street View, September 2024:
Images show cars parked at the same location with no “No Parking” sign visible.
Confirms that the location was treated as a normal stopping/parking place until very recently.
(Insert Street View screenshots with captions, e.g. “Figure 1 – Sept 2024, no signage present.”)
3. Council’s PCN Evidence (August 2025)
Enforcement photos (provided with the PCN) now show a new, small “No Parking” sign installed at the site.
This demonstrates the restriction was only introduced recently, without sufficient prior notice to motorists.
(Insert PCN images with sign circled, e.g. “Figure 2 – Aug 2025, small sign newly added.”)
4. Legitimate Expectation
Drivers developed a legitimate expectation that parking/unloading here was permitted, based on more than a decade of unrestricted use.
A sudden change, signposted only by a single small sign, is inadequate to overturn long-standing practice without warning.
5. Summary
Street View (Sept 2024): No signage, long-standing use.
PCN Photos (Aug 2025): New sign appears for the first time.
This supports the argument that signage was recently added and not clearly communicated, making enforcement unfair.
