Free Traffic Legal Advice

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for advice on whether I should proceed with a formal representation after my informal challenge was rejected by the City of Westminster.

Here’s a brief summary of my situation:

I live in Cambridge and recently visited a couple I know who live in Westminster.

I parked near their residence, unaware that a resident parking permit was required.

The couple I visited do not own a car and were also unaware of the parking restrictions in their area, which led to the misunderstanding.

I received a PCN (Penalty Charge Notice) for parking in a residential bay without a valid permit.

I submitted an informal challenge, explaining the situation and providing a supporting letter from the couple confirming that:

I was visiting them for emotional support during a difficult period due to my ongoing divorce.

They do not own a car and were unaware of the permit requirements.

Despite this, my informal challenge was rejected, and they acknowledged the circumstances but said the PCN still stands because of the established regulations.

❗️ Current Situation:
I’ve been given 14 days to pay the discounted rate of £65 before it increases to £130.

Alternatively, I can wait to receive a Notice to Owner (NTO) and submit a formal representation.

🤔 What I’m Considering:
Submitting a formal representation with stronger emphasis on:

My genuine lack of awareness of the permit system.

The couple’s confirmation that they were unaware of the parking restrictions.

Requesting discretion due to the emotional circumstances and the fact that this was a first-time mistake.

❓ Questions for the Community:
Have any of you successfully had a PCN overturned at the formal representation stage with similar circumstances?

Is it worth proceeding with a formal representation, or should I just pay the £65 to avoid risking the fine increasing to £130?

Would including additional evidence (e.g., proof of my address in Cambridge to show I’m unfamiliar with Westminster) make a difference?

Any advice, insights, or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance! 🙏

OP, you posted:

I live in Cambridge and recently visited a couple I know who live in Westminster.

I parked near their residence, unaware that a resident parking permit was required.

The only way you could have been unaware is that the parking place or permit parking area in which you parked was not signed adequately. They have parking places in Cambridge and a driver is expected to know the significance of parking place markings - which must have been in evidence- or Permit Parking Area(PPA) signage.

So, as per Incandescent, let's have the PCN and photos if you have them, otherwise we can look online.

At present your argument goes to mitigation only.