Free Traffic Legal Advice

Any advice gratefully received.

PCN on the windscreen from LB Barnet. I was observed from 10.09 to 10.12 on 2/1/26 and given a PCN, contravention 11 parked without payment of the parking charge.

I went from the car into a local restaurant as it was a very cold day and tried to pay using the paybyphone app, as this is the only way of paying. Due to being sat deep in the restaurant, I had limited phone signal. After a couple of minutes I gave up and asked my partner to pay using their phone on a different network. They paid for the parking at 10.14. So just 2 minutes later after the observation period.

I thought that there should be a 5 minute observation period according to gov guidelines.

Is this sufficient mitigating circumstances? I only have 14 days to pay £55 rather than £110.

I don't really want to show identifying information. I realise this may limit replies, but if anyone can comment based on what I posted I would be grateful.

You should never leave the car before paying but if there is 2 mins between the PCN and parking you have a good case you were in the process of paying, perhaps augmented by it being too cold to deal with the phone outside. But they did observe for 3 mins.

Draft a short challenge and we'll tweak it.

That won't do - I'll redo it.

I'd like to see the council's pics - can you post them?

I've used AI to tidy up my writing:

"I respectfully request that the Council exercise discretion and consider the mitigating circumstances in this case.

I attach evidence confirming that the parking fee was paid at 10:14, which was only two minutes after the three-minute observation period had expired. The delay was minimal.

The short delay occurred because, after leaving my vehicle to check the location number displayed on the parking signage, I went inside the nearby restaurant Bluebelles, approximately 70 metres from the parking bay. Once inside, I experienced difficulty obtaining a mobile phone signal in order to access the Council’s parking app. I therefore asked my wife, who was with me and uses a different mobile network, to attempt payment on her phone. She was able to do so successfully, and the parking fee was paid immediately.

The vehicle was not left unattended without intent to pay, and the correct parking fee was paid in full. Given the minimal delay, the genuine technical difficulty encountered, and the clear intention to comply with the parking requirements, I respectfully ask that the Council cancel the PCN in accordance with its discretionary powers and the principles of fairness set out in statutory guidance.

I would be grateful if the Council could consider this appeal in line with the Secretary of State’s Statutory Guidance, which encourages authorities to act fairly and proportionately and to exercise discretion where appropriate."

Is this better?