Free Traffic Legal Advice

Unknowingly, parked in a 'permit holder parkig only pased this point.'  Unfamiliar with area, didn't see sign travelled through 4 other streets and parked only to find a PCN on return.  There was nothing to indicate I could not park there (or in any of the other 4 streets).  No bays, double yellow lines, curb markings, no repeater signs, no pay and display point. I took images of where I had parked/video of street.

Once home did some research looked on Google and found that this seems to have been deemed an experimental parking scheme and Knowsley Council website states trial parking scheme which looks like it might have just come to an end.  I have checked on Google Maps for signage and been back to check that Google Maps information is accurate and up to date and it is. 

I feel that there needs to be more frequent, adequately sized and positioned signage, standardised signage too.  Behaviour seems preditory, designed to trap unsuspecting motorists.  It maybe that the signs will be rolled out over the coming months? In the meantime that is cold comfort.

Any help and advice would be most appreciated.  Thank you.







https://cdn.imgpile.com/f/8d3eSTg.mp4

Not sure if the many (14)  links I have posted are visible?  Anyone able to advise.  TIA

I only see the link to your car video, and a GSV link.

Here are the entry signs: -


The zone covers several streets, but I see no repeater signs, making compliance totally reliant on seeing the entry signs. Did you turn into Grosvenor Road from St Helens Road ?
I woud submit reps on the lines of you missing the entry signs, and with no repeater signs, parked as normal, and state that large permit zones should have repeater signs. Obviously they will reject those, but they may shoot themselves in the foot in their reply, thus giving a lead to a robust appeal to the adjudicators. However, this depends on whether you are prepared to risk the full PCN penalty.

So here are the signs as you turn into Rowson Street:-


And indeed, GSV shows no repeater signs at all as far as I can see. This is a very large area so the absence of repeater signs could win at adjudication, but first you have to go through the stages with the council. I would think  you have a good chance at adjudication, but of course you must risk the full PCN penalty, not the discount. So if you're up for it, fight them on the basis of totally inadequate signage.

Councils are obliged to erect adequate signage of a restriction under Regulation 18 of The Local Authorities’ Traffic Orders (Procedure) (England and Wales) Regulations 1996

but I do feel there should be an obligation to sign adequately

There is, as Incandescent's link states:

such traffic signs in such positions as the order making authority may consider requisite for securing that adequate information as to the effect of the order is made available to persons using the road;

So, what's adequate in the council's mind might not be in yours. At present IMO any defence hinges on whether the keeper could persuade the authority and ultimately an adjudicator that what's present is not adequate!

Traffic Signs Manual.

Thank you to you both, I still think it is worth challenging as there is a mixture of sign sizes, road markings leading to ambiguity and motorist not being aware.