Free Traffic Legal Advice

Were you using satnav ? We see more and more cases of OPs on here that pass these signs as if they are obeying satnav instructions like automatons. Sorry to say it,  but that is the impression I get, so please don't be offended!

The plain fact is that there are restricted and closed streets like this all over London now, and one must be alert to the signs. Of course they are almost all on side and minor streets and roads. DId you approach the signs head-on or did you turn left into them ? Turns into these restrictions are much easier to appeal than when one approaches direct.

As well as passing the actual restriction signs, it you approached head-on,  you also passed these two signs: -
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Tp2Ggj1JRcn7FPxg8
The presence of these will make it much more difficult to build a robust appeal to take to London Tribunals. However, our 'Hippocrates' has developed appeal arguments based on council mismanangement of the enforcement process, so wait a bit to see what he has to say. Such appeals have nothing to do with the alleged contravention itself/

.

Would really appreciate any further advice.

Looking at the street leading up to this is very confusing. There is a plurality of signage. One sign just says road closed 7am-7pm, then the next sign shows a sign with both directions as restricted, one has to notice a smaller exit route. Underneath that there is a separate "follow the exit" sign in yellow. At the same time there are two more restricted signs and a yellow one and a camera. Is this not a complete overload to a motorist that does not know the area?

I also note that the yellow sign says "follow EXIT routes" in plural, and with word exit in capitals. There is only one exit route.

Can someone confirm whether this is valid and the wording?

"Approaching this location, I found the signage very confusing due to a clear plurality of signs. One sign states “Road closed ahead 7am–7pm”, followed shortly by another sign indicating that both available directions are restricted, where the only permitted route is shown by an arrow that can initially appear to lead to a dead end. Beneath this is a separate yellow sign stating “follow EXIT routes”, with only the word “EXIT” in capitals and in the plural, despite there being only a single available route. This is accompanied by further restriction signs, a camera sign, permit-holder information and additional yellow signage, all within the same short stretch of road. Furthermore, the wording “Road closed ahead”, positioned completely separate from the other usual restriction signage,  reasonably suggests a temporary or conditional closure further along the road, rather than an immediate and absolute restriction, which further contributes to confusion when combined with permanent restriction and enforcement signage.

As a motorist unfamiliar with the area, this creates an overload of information and is confusing, making it unclear which sign takes precedence or how the restriction is intended to be followed. Adjudicators have consistently held that where the cumulative effect of signage causes confusion, the restriction is not adequately conveyed. In these circumstances the signage does not meet the required standard of clarity, and enforcement is therefore unreasonable. I request that the PCN be cancelled."

Wait on. Check their website regularly for starters re payment/dates.

I received the following rejection:

Notice of Rejection of representations

PENALTY CHARGE NOTICE NUMBER: QZ22085620
VERIFICATION CODE
VEHICLE REGISTRATION: RY56UBM

LOCATION OF CONTRAVENTION:
Stoke Newington Church Street junction of Lordship Road -
Eastbound

DATE OF CONTRAVENTION: 15 January 2026
TIME OF CONTRAVENTION: 13:20

NATURE OF CONTRAVENTION:
52m - Failing to comply with a prohibition on certain types of vehicle (motor vehicles)

Thank you for writing to us.

I have carefully considered what you stated and noted the photographs you provided but I have decided not to cancel
your Penalty Charge Notice.

We sent you a Penalty Charge Notice because our CCTV camera evidence shows the vehicle going where motor
vehicles are not allowed.

Whilst I note your comment, it is unfortunate that you were unfamiliar with the rules that were in force. However, it is still
up to drivers to be aware of signs and road markings and obey them.

Please be advised that the signs are clearly visible at the entrance to the location that certain types of vehicles (Motor
vehicles) are not allowed except local buses and Permit Holders HAC01 between 7am and 7pm.

Furthermore, prior to reaching the enforcement signs, there are advanced warning signs on Stoke Newington Church
Street and Lordship Road to inform drivers of the restrictions in place.

With regards to the photographs of the signs you provided, please be advised that the signs are compliant with the
Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 (TSRGD).

Stoke Newington Church Street is only accessible to Disabled Badge holders with a registered companion badge,
cyclists, waste and emergency vehicles between 7am and 7pm Monday to Sunday. The restriction is a 12 hour two way
motor vehicle prohibition.

The scheme is designed to protect the area from heavy traffic, and the road from being used as a through route.
It is the responsibility of the drivers to be aware of signs and obey them. Therefore the Penalty Charge Notice remains
17/02/2026 83B615
enforced.

You have these choices:

You can pay the discount charge of £80.00. You have 14 days from the date of this letter being served (delivered)
to do this.

You can pay £160.00 if you miss the discount period. You have 28 days from the date of this letter being served
(delivered) to do this.

If you wish to appeal, please read the guidance notes attached to the appeal form enclosed with this letter. You
can make your appeal online at the following address www.londontribunals.gov.uk. Please ensure that you quote
the unique appeal verification code stated on this Notice of Rejection and follow the online instructions on how to
complete your appeal. Alternatively, you can complete the Appeal Form enclosed with this letter (please read the
guidance notes before completing it) and send your appeal to the Environment and Traffic Adjudicators (ETA) at
the address stated on the form. Please do not send the appeal form to us. For any enquiries about your appeal,
please visit the London Tribunals website at www.londontribunals.gov.uk. The adjudicator will consider your
appeal and make a final decision. Please note that an adjudicator can not allow an appeal on the basis of
mitigating circumstances but may refer the case back to the authority for further consideration. An adjudicator can
not normally award costs but may do so if he considers that either party has acted frivolously, vexatiously or wholly
unreasonably. The directions of an Adjudicator must be complied with forthwith.

If you do nothing
If, after 28 days, you have taken no action, we may send you a Charge Certificate increasing the charge from £160.00 to
£240.00. You will then have 14 days to pay the increased charge. If, after the 14 days, you have not paid the increased
charge, we may apply to the County Court to recover the money - plus court costs - from you.

How to pay:
Online (PCNs starting with QZ) go to www.hackney.gov.uk/parking-fines by following the payment links.
By phone (PCNs starting with QZ) 020 8629 1232 (24 hours) using a Visa, MasterCard, Maestro or Visa Electron
card.

By post Please make your cheque or postal order payable to 'London Borough of Hackney', write your PCN
number (see above) on the back, then send it to: Representations and Appeals, PO box 76121, London, E5 5FG.
Please do not send cash through the post.
Yours sincerely

W Elegbede

PCN Disputes Officer

Date on letter is 17/02/2026

Received by email 17/02/2026 01:10 (AM!)