Free Traffic Legal Advice

Indeed the video doesn't show you passing a sign on the way in, but there may be a sign on the way out.  Of course the video doesn't show this, as it cannot, but I suggest you check this aspect before submitting reps. However, don't miss the deadline for submitting reps on the PCN.

If you want to submit reps now, just give a short paragraph on the lines that the video does not show you passing any restriction signs. Post up their response when you get it.

The previous version was a bit pompus. I've softened it a little bit to not have them on the offensive from the off.

Penalty Charge Notice: HZ99303438
Vehicle Registration: FN64 AJX

I am assisting my mother, the registered keeper of the vehicle, in preparing these representations. I am authorised to correspond with the council on her behalf regarding this PCN.

Having reviewed the CCTV footage, I would respectfully ask the council to reconsider this PCN and exercise its discretion to cancel it.

The footage begins with the vehicle already within Sawley Road and does not show how the vehicle arrived at that location. The only manoeuvre captured on the CCTV is the vehicle turning around and leaving the area.

My mother had recently been served with a Section 21 notice and was viewing potential alternative accommodation in an unfamiliar area. She was understandably under a significant amount of stress at the time. Upon realising that she had entered a restricted road, she immediately turned the vehicle around and exited, as shown in the council's own footage.

The CCTV does not show a driver continuing through the restricted area or seeking to use the restriction as a shortcut. Rather, it shows a driver who recognised a mistake and took immediate action to correct it.

If the council considers that a contravention technically occurred, I would respectfully submit that any breach was de minimis. In other words, any breach was so trivial and insignificant that it would be disproportionate to enforce the penalty in the circumstances. The vehicle did not proceed through the restricted area. Instead, my mother immediately turned around and left as soon as she realised her mistake.

The council's own CCTV footage shows that the sole manoeuvre captured is the vehicle turning around and exiting the location. There was no attempt to continue through the restriction, gain any advantage, or use the route as a shortcut. The footage is entirely consistent with a driver who recognised an error and took immediate steps to rectify it.

I appreciate that restrictions of this nature serve an important purpose, and my mother regrets the error. However, given the particular circumstances, the immediate corrective action taken, and the minimal nature of any breach, I would be grateful if the council would exercise its discretion and cancel the Penalty Charge Notice.

Thank you for taking the time to consider these representations.