Free Traffic Legal Advice

I received a PCN a few weeks ago for parking in a suspended residents parking bay. I didn't notice the sign probably because it was partially hidden behind a resident's parking sign from the direction that I approached.

The Council have rejected my informal appeal on the basis that "street signs at this location are lowered because of a preservation order in place. It is for this reason that the signs are not raised on posts and more clearly visible." and that "there is still enough yellow in sight to draw your eye".

Here are Haringey's own evidence photos of the sign which show it partially obscured https://www.flickr.com/photos/131232182@N08...ares/wJ5Xpa7083 https://www.flickr.com/photos/131232182@N08...ares/n60N8Hjf86. I wasn't the only person to miss it and get a PCN that day.

Is it worth taking this further and appealing after receiving a NTO? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I don't want to lose the opportunity of the discount on the PCN if an appeal is unlikely to be upheld.

Here's the PCN https://www.flickr.com/photos/131232182@N08...ares/e289ur8713 and Haringey's rejection letter https://www.flickr.com/photos/131232182@N08...ares/F0g77t72qA https://www.flickr.com/photos/131232182@N08...ares/oFyA1ar530

Sorry this link should work https://flic.kr/ps/2ZXZyq

Although the geographical extent of this post is the area of the parking place, this isn't parking suspension as such, it's a TTO-imposed variation to pre-existing permissions/restrictions.

OP, what's been asked for would at least allow us to see the exact wording of the notice. If there isn't one in evidence then the council have no case, the sign could just recite a nursery rhyme for all an adjudicator would know.

You have no argument regarding visibility IMO because it was your obligation to check the existing traffic signs anyway...which leads to the issue of prior notice. Presumably you are a permit holder, hence their comment about advance notice. Can you elaborate on this e.g. are you a permit holder, are you a resident in the street or do you live elsewhere, how often do you use parking places in this area etc?

If you wait for the Notice to Owner and then challenge it within 14 days of the date of issue, the council will re-offer the discount to discourage you from appealing to the tribunal (they don't tell you this now because they'd rather you paid sooner rather than later).

I have requested all the relevant information about the TTRO, if it's one of those silly blanket TTROs then Mr Mustard has a good argument, and there are very strict rules in The Road Traffic (Temporary Restrictions) Procedure Regulations 1992 which they have to follow to make a temporary order, so I would definitely carry on at this point.

Council response to information request:


The order is The Haringey (Borough Wide Installation and Maintenance of Traffic, Highways and Arboricultural Infrastructure) (Temporary Prohibition of Traffic) Order 2023.

Notice of intent:



Notice order made:



Notification of intent to police fire and ambulance:



Notification of order to police fire and ambulance:



Internal email:



Spreadsheet attached to internal email: https://bit.ly/3O5Q8nH


Photos of signs taken at time of installation:





Looks like one ripe for Mr Mustard's blanket TTRO argument.

That would be great, thank you. I'll make a donation to North London Hospice if we win. There were some minor works that day but on the other side of the road and after 2pm.