Finally completed my draft letter of representation! Would love your feedback.
Dear Hackney Council,
I am writing to submit representations against Penalty Charge Notice (PCN): QZ17185364.
I was heading to a venue on Broadway Market and searching for a parking spot that would be accessible for me when this incident occurred. While this PCN is not for a parking infraction, this detail does provide context for the actions leading to this PCN being issued.
I’m a Blue Badge holder with a limited walking ability that requires I park as close as possible to my final destination, so my initial plan was to park on Broadway Market itself where there are on-street parking spaces. However, I was thrown when barriers blocked entry onto Broadway Market at multiple points despite signs indicating vehicles are permitted after 8pm and the time being past that.
The alleged contravention has been time stamped at 20:20 and takes place at the Pritchard Road junction, just 40 metres away from the Ada Street entrance/barrier to Broadway Market. This shows I was there after the barriers should have been open. I also have photographic evidence from Saturday 19th October at 21:10, of the barrier being locked again at a time when the signs indicate permitted entry.
After I couldn’t progress right onto Broadway Market from Ada Street, I turned onto Regent’s Row hoping to find a parking spot or place to turn around there but I quickly discovered it was a narrow 'No Through' road already full with parked cars and other obstructions like the bike dock and large bins partially obstructing the way. Further down, car headlights faced me just before the road turned a corner. This made it difficult to tell what the road layout was like and if there were more obstructions; I did not feel comfortable continuing down this road. I didn't know when I'd next be able to safely turn around, and I was driving alone in an unfamiliar area, getting further away from my destination and any parking space I could walk from.
Considering this, I decided to return to a parking space I had seen earlier. It was still further away than the ones I’d originally been aiming for on Broadway Market, but now seemed like the closest I could get to the venue. However, I was now blocked from going back the way I came by the white van waiting to turn into Regent's Row where I was.
To stop obstructing the van, I reversed into the entrance of Pritchard's Road up to 5m and waited until the van had completed the turn before I could safely move off again, which was less than 10 seconds later. This is clearly evident in the video footage you provided. My only alternative would have been reversing straight back onto Andrews Road, but this would have meant reversing for longer than necessary and potentially into oncoming traffic partially hidden by the van and the road decline.
Reversing into Pritchard’s Road and allowing enough clearance between the two vehicles felt like the safest action I could take in this situation, therefore giving me good reason. Since the infraction took place over such a short distance and time, I would also suggest the minimal incurrence is taken into account under the rule of de minimis.
Based on all the above, I kindly request that the PCN is cancelled.
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Questions: Would I need to provide anything in way of supporting evidence, like my blue badge or proof of disability or photos? I’ve since revisited the site and have photos of the barrier / sign on Broadway Market and the view from my position on Regent’s Row in case they would be needed too.
Thanks all again for your time and support!
