Greenwich Council - Bus Lane Infraction, Code 34J @CHARLTON CHURCH LANE JNC WITH BARNEY CLOSE

I received a PCN from the Royal Borough of Greenwich on Friday for an alleged bus lane contravention that occurred couple of weeks ago.

Video evidence:
https://youtu.be/_YpT7g-17r8?si=F26NK11C_7gPUigh

https://youtu.be/_YpT7g-17r8?si=F26NK11C_7gPUigh


PCN (front):




PCN (rear):




Street View location:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/VhEuej5zznRGGDsm7?g_st=ac

https://maps.app.goo.gl/VhEuej5zznRGGDsm7?g_st=ac



I have carried out the same manoeuvre many times on my motorcycle when filtering through traffic, always taking care not to cross the line. This is the first time I have received a PCN for it.

Does a PCN still stand if no part of the vehicle's tyres crosses into the bus lane? Do you think it would be worth challenging the penalty?

Interesting argument, but I don't think it's a winner at London Tribunals, but see what the others say. Of course, you'd have to risk the full PCN penalty if you take them there, and the council will never give way on this one. I'd love to see what an adjudicator makes of your argument, but it's your choice, discount or possible full penalty

Hippo is our bus lane authority and I think appeals are still being won on lack of camera authorisation and there may be issues with Greenwich PCNs and enforcement notices.

You could win on no contravention if the adjudicator agrees the traffic bollard is irrelevant and the bus lane marking is the only relevant factor. 

That whole spot is weird. The bus lane line is broken in that section, so I would have thought, you are allowed to go around the bollard via the bus lane.

The PCN challenge was rejected.

My argument was that the motorcycle never entered the bus lane. At most the tyres were on the white line separating the bus lane.

If I understand correctly, the council view is that even being on the while line is enough to issue the PCN.

Is the council correct? I don't mind paying if I'm wrong. If the council is wrong,then I will appeal to the Traffic Adjudicator.







Many thanks

I think the council is correct, sorry to say it, but you have the right in law to test the matter, and in addition, test the requirement in the Act in Schedule 1 7(6), which has won several appeals now.

I won't comment on the dangerous driving (undertaking at a speed, passing cars on a bus lane when approaching road works and a traffic light), that would be material for The Flame Pit section.

Regarding the PCN.

I just saw the video evidence, not the photos.

This is one of the rare cases, if not the only one I've seen so far, where the evidence provided by the authority (video) actually shows upright signage passed and in place.

Not an expert here; just my point of view as an amateur. Other senior members of this forum replied with not much hope, so perhaps better to pay now with the discount than continue arguing with the Council and have to pay in full later.

Deleted (posted twice by mistake).

Thank you all for your input. I’ll just save myself the extra hassle — I don’t need any more trouble.

Don't tell me you have paid? As I have won all 5 cases v Greenwich.

Hi Hippo,

No, I haven't. After a drink, I have decided I can survive even if I have to pay the full ticket, and filed an online appeal.

I have no idea what to expect so any tips are very welcomed. 🙂

My understanding is that being on the line is in contravention.

IMO if the island wasn't there you might have had a chance of de minimus argument, straying less than 5m on line.  However although the island is irrelevant to PCN you are looking for charity from adjudicator, and  OP was clearly gaining an advantage by squeezing through and driving on line (by avoiding main traffic), so I'd reckon sympathy would be on the low side.

Wait for Hippo to get back to you, as he has won previous cases in this exact place (based on technical defence such as camera certification/ prior notification etc).

Ah I see. I didn't know you can get a bus lane ticket for touching the separation line.

Oh well, we live and learn  I've nevered challenged before,so that would be a new experience as well 

Apropos Hippocrates winning five cases against Greenwich, I suggest the OP reads this first before coughing-up: -

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukla/1996/9/schedule/1/enacted

Schedule 1, Clause 7 (6)