It's the same type of contravention as passing a no entry sign, as per the case below (although that was a tough adjudicator).
The rejection acknowledges you reversed but says they have a 'statutory obligation to enforce in such situations'. Now while they are granted a statutory right to enforce, I'd say the way they have worded this fetters discretion as it implies they cannot use discretion.
See what others say.
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Case reference 2250391261
Appellant xxxxxx
Authority London Borough of Waltham Forest
VRM EN18WKJ
PCN Details
PCN FR65900605
Contravention date 27 Jun 2025
Contravention time 21:04:00
Contravention location Wellington Road
Penalty amount GBP 160.00
Contravention Failing to comply with a no entry sign
Referral date -
Decision Date 11 Dec 2025
Adjudicator Michael Burke
Appeal decision Appeal refused
Direction Full penalty charge notice amount stated to be paid within 28 days.
Reasons The allegation in this case is failing to comply with a “No Entry” sign. The Appellant does not dispute this but says that this was a genuine error. He was attending to elderly family and unfamiliar with the location. As soon as he realised his error he reversed out.
The signage relied upon can be seen in the enforcement camera evidence, a “No Entry” sign on either side of the carriageway, with the message reinforced by the legend ““NO ENTRY” in large white letters painted on the road surface. I am satisfied the signage relied upon was substantially compliant, clear and adequate.
The enforcement camera evidence shows the vehicle committing the contravention. The Appellant is seen to stop beyond the “No Entry” signs, apparently in response to a signal from a bicyclist. He then begins to reverse. However, it is not possible to undo a contravention once committed and this contravention is complete once the vehicle passes the “No Entry” signs.
The Appellant has not established anything which goes beyond mitigation. The Enforcement Authority may cancel a PCN as a matter of their discretion. An Adjudicator has no power to direct cancellation on the basis of mitigating circumstances.
Having considered all the evidence I am satisfied that the contravention occurred and that the PCN was properly issued and served. I am not satisfied that any exemption applies.