I am thinking to challenge it based on the following:
I am writing to formally challenge the above Penalty Charge Notice issued to my vehicle. After a thorough review of the circumstances and the local signage, I believe the PCN was wrongly issued for the following reasons:
Adequacy of Signage: The signage indicating the bus gate on Camrose Avenue is inadequate, particularly during nighttime conditions when visibility is reduced. The lack of sufficient illumination and clarity on the signage did not provide the necessary alert to the approaching bus gate restriction. This inadequacy is heightened by the fact that the only advanced warning signs visible were related to a width restriction, not a bus gate.
Late Disclosure of Restriction: The positioning and timing of the bus gate signage did not afford adequate time to safely maneuver out of the bus gate lane. Due to the flow of traffic and for the safety of all road users, I was compelled to proceed through the bus gate to avoid a potential traffic incident. This decision was made in the interest of safety, given the immediate traffic conditions and the sudden appearance of the restriction.
Faded Road Markings: The road markings indicating the bus gate were noticeably faded and not observable during the night. The bus gate's red road surface did not offer a sufficient approach distance to safely realign the vehicle, contributing to the confusion and the eventual contravention.
Inconsistent Road Treatments: The absence of standard double yellow, red lines, solid white line, which are typically consistent with bus gates and bus lines, contributed to the confusion. Additionally, the bus gate's unconventional placement compared to standard practices in London further misled me as a driver.
Lack of Pre-warning Signs: The presence of a pre-warning sign before the crossroad or near the central island would have provided crucial additional time to adjust vehicle positioning. The sudden appearance of the bus gate restriction, without adequate pre-warning, significantly increased the risk of a traffic incident.
The Traffic Signs Manual and the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD) 2016 set clear standards for signage and road markings, which I believe were not adequately met in this instance. Given these points, I respectfully request that the Penalty Charge Notice be cancelled.
I trust that you will find these points sufficient to warrant a revocation of the PCN. Should you require any further information or photographic evidence, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Yours sincerely,
If someone can help add a bit more or revise this to add more weight would be great!
I have added pics that evening from there CCTV stills and also you can see from GSV how confusing and cramped the area is on approach albeit photo taken back in 2008, i will be back there tomorrow to get some better snaps to add to the case!!
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