I'm not sure how the use of AI is viewed here, but would this be a suitable challenge to send?
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am making a formal representation against the above PCN. I request that Lambeth Council apply its discretion in accordance with both its internal policy and the wider guidance issued by London Councils’ Code of Practice on Civil Parking and Traffic Enforcement, especially in relation to disability, medical situations, and exceptional circumstances.
1. Medical-related purpose — recognised as valid mitigation under London Councils’ Code of Practice
The London Councils’ Code of Practice states that enforcement authorities must give proper consideration to representations and that discretion should be exercised where “compelling medical circumstances” exist.
On the date of the PCN, I was attending King’s College Hospital for the specific purpose of returning an oxygen-monitoring device that had been issued to me overnight for a sleep-apnea assessment. These devices are circulated between patients, so I returned it as soon as possible in order for other patients to benefit from it. This was not a discretionary trip, nor was I stopping for convenience: it was a direct medical return that formed part of ongoing clinical care.
Medical-related tasks, particularly those linked to NHS equipment distribution, fall well within the type of exceptional circumstances that the Code of Practice anticipates.
2. Disability-related mitigation — FSH muscular dystrophy severely limits my mobility
I am diagnosed with FSH muscular dystrophy, which has a significant effect on my mobility. Walking long distances can be extremely difficult and painful.
London Councils’ Code of Practice requires authorities to take special care with disabled motorists, including those with Blue Badges, and to consider whether the contravention arose due to mobility limitations that restricted the driver’s options.
Because of my condition, I must park as close as possible to essential destinations such as hospitals. This is exactly what I did, acting reasonably and in good faith.
I displayed my valid Blue Badge out of habit and necessity, not with the intention of disregarding restrictions.
3. Additional vulnerability — my wife was 8˝ months pregnant
I was accompanied by my wife, who at the time was 8.5 months pregnant and also unable to walk far. This significantly reduced our ability to seek alternative parking or to access the hospital on foot from a distant location.
The Code of Practice recognises “compelling compassionate circumstances” and that public authorities have a broad discretionary power to cancel a PCN where enforcing it would be unreasonable or disproportionate.
4. Proportionality and discretion — London Tribunals principles
London Tribunals adjudicators often emphasise that authorities must consider:
Proportionality
Compassionate or medical necessity
Whether the motorist acted reasonably in difficult circumstances
Whether enforcement of the penalty would be unjust in light of disability or health issues
Given my disability, the urgent medical-related purpose, and the significant mobility needs of both myself and my pregnant wife, enforcing the PCN would be disproportionate.
I was not parked to obtain a benefit or convenience — I was carrying out a necessary return of hospital-issued equipment, had a genuine mobility impairment, and behaved in good faith.
5. Request for cancellation
In line with:
Lambeth Council’s discretionary policy on medical circumstances
London Councils’ Code of Practice
The general principles applied by London Tribunals
My clear medical and mobility-related needs
The clinically important reason for my stop at King’s College Hospital
I respectfully request that the PCN be cancelled.
I can provide supporting evidence if required, including:
My Blue Badge
Medical letters confirming my FSH muscular dystrophy
Evidence from the hospital regarding the oxygen monitor
Proof of my wife’s pregnancy at the time
Thank you for taking the time to consider these representations.
Yours sincerely,
