Hello FLTA users!
Apologies in advance for the long post..
Relevant Google Drive link:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1uHK3oNJmfRvNZsEzCWFcKNTiCldm0kLo?usp=drive_linkI work for a glass merchant delivering glass sheets (think shop front size sheets) in bulk to glass shops.
Without getting too into the weeds it is common for glass delivery vans to park on the kerb to counteract the camber of the road. For instance in this case if the driver had not parked on the kerb it would mean that the glass on the off side frail would be nearly vertical and very dangerous to unload. In addition to this HSE have advised us that we must park as close as possible to delivery locations due to the danger of carrying glass over pavements, and in my experience 90% of the time councils and TFL use their discretion to cancel PCNs of this type on informal representation. We always try to park legally where possible but this isn't always possible.
On 25/04/2025 one of our drivers was delivering to a customer in Islington (
https://maps.app.goo.gl/RrHcopW8nLieHFN7A) and pulled up out the front (Holloway Road) as the loading bay down the side of the building was occupied. This is a red route at all times and a bus lane.
Driver received a print out PCN from a warden (google drive link - "PCN Given to Driver").
It might be worth noting that although the alleged contravention occurred on Holloway Road, the PCN states Landseer Road. This can be proven by the photo provided by TFL showing the van parked on a red red route and bus lane despite Landseer Road having neither.
The next day I looked at the PCN portal. There was one photo on the FLT PCN portal that I have included on the google drive link. I uploaded an informal representation (google drive - "Parking Letter Transport for London"). This is the standard letter we send out written by one of my predecessors, and this usually works.
I can see from the PCN portal that they received my rep on 01/05/25 and placed the PCN on hold.
I then received a letter in the post dated 02/05/25 (google drive "Informal Rep Response") rejecting my representation. The letter stated that I had to wait for the Enforcement Notice to further appeal.
Today I received a NtO dated 28/05/25 (google drive link "NtO").
Closest thing I can find is Greater London Council (General Powers) Act 1974 - 15.(3).(d) which states:
A person shall not be convicted of an offence under this section with respect to a vehicle if he proves to the satisfaction of the court that the vehicle was parked—
...
(d)for the purpose of loading or unloading goods for a period not exceeding 20 minutes or such longer period as the council may permit, and—
...
(i)the loading or unloading of the vehicle could not have been satisfactorily performed if it had not been so parked; and
(ii)the vehicle was not left unattended at any time while it was so parked.
Both (i) and (ii) I would argue are true.
I post here today looking for advice on whether I have a case to appeal and if I do - where to focus my efforts. It's "common knowledge" in the glass trade vans and lorries delivering glass may park where they need to to safely get the job done but I don't know if that is backed up by anything concrete. Thanks to anyone in advance that takes the time to look into this. Only recently discovered this forum but have spent time browsing and I am amazed at all the people you have helped.
