Free Traffic Legal Advice

Good afternoon to all who read,

Firstly ANY help is welcomed and thank you for reading my post.

Background
As the title reads, I too have been hit by the infamous Clapham Park Road bus lane camera 

I didn't know it had claimed many victims until I came across this site and was impressed and annoyed at the same time as it seems I'm not the only one who was confused by the odd layout and went down the bus lane by accident!

Unfortunately, I didn't see the letter till a few days ago as I've been away for work for a few weeks, luckily it's still within the date to make an informal challenge.

I almost paid the fine as I thought I was at fault, but having read a few other posts for the same contravention I can hope that there's a chance I can appeal this and win on the grounds that the layout of the bus lane is confusing and misleading (which it certainly is).

What happened:
The video evidence submitted with the PCN shows exactly how I was caught, but what it doesn't show is what made me make that decision to go in that direction. On approaching the junction, well before reaching the traffic lights, my sat nav instructed me to take the next turning on the left towards Clapham Park Road/Acre Lane. Having driven further along the road I was met with an arrow on the ground indicating for me to take the "left turn only lane" to go left. It was not until I had driven past the traffic lights at this "left turn only lane" did I notice that there was a blue circular sign on the traffic light to indicate this was for buses only. At the time it didn't appear there was any other way for me to turn left without using this lane so I was confused as to why the traffic light displayed that symbol. Inherently, it seems that the lane I used was a bus lane which was not clear to me at the time.

What I would like help with:
Any help with the the PCN appeal process please, what to say and when to say it.

From my understanding having read other posts, Lambeth usually reject any appeals and it goes straight to the tribunals, so I'm expecting the same direction for me.

Lambeth Council website also has some confusing dates as to when the PCN price changes which doesn't seem to match the letter - not sure if this is much of a case to dismiss the PCN  .

TL;DR - Got a PCN and need help appealing it please. I believe I wasn't at fault because the road layout is confusing and the road markings imply that the driver is supposed to use what I thought was a "left hand turn only lane" to make a left turn.


Hopefully the image displays here. Please see the link here for all the evidence: https://imgpile.com/p/Lpdqeci

I've also included the details below for ease.

PCN No. LJ36340357
VRM: LX74UYE
Date of PCN: 25/03/2026

Thank you for reading! 

Hi there!

Thank you for your reply, that’s very comforting to hear.

Yeah I’ve heard a lot of people give up at the threats but I’m up for a fight if there’s a chance I’ll win.

The alleged contravention did not occur  because the video does not show any upright signage allegedly passed and the manoeuvre as shown was wholly necessary.  In light of this, please cancel the PCN.