Hi everyone,
I'd really appreciate some advice before I submit my formal representations to Haringey Council.
I am a resident who pays to park in my residential car park.
I parked my car at approximately 3:00 a.m. on Monday 22 June after returning from holiday (I was away from 13–21 June). It was dark when I parked.
The council later suspended five parking bays. The only suspension sign was positioned behind a large crate and a portaloo, making it very difficult to see. I've taken photographs showing that the sign was obscured.
I do not drive to work, so I don't use my car every day. The usual entrance/exit I use to access the car park was also closed, meaning neither I nor my family had any reason to walk past the vehicle. The car was parked some distance from my property and wasn't visible from my home.
I only became aware there was a problem when a neighbour told me my vehicle was being towed. Until then, I had no idea the suspension was in place or that PCNs had been issued.
The council issued four PCNs while the vehicle remained stationary before removing it.
My current grounds of appeal are:
- The suspension sign was obscured by a large crate and portaloo and therefore failed to provide adequate notice (Regulation 18 of the Local Authorities' Traffic Orders (Procedure) (England and Wales) Regulations 1996).
- I parked at around 3:00 a.m. when it was dark, further reducing the likelihood of seeing an already obscured sign.
- I had a legitimate expectation as a paying resident that such a significant suspension would be clearly communicated.
- Four PCNs were issued for the same stationary vehicle before it was removed.
- The vehicle was not causing danger or obstruction, so I question whether removal was proportionate.
Could anyone advise whether there are any additional legal grounds or tribunal decisions that may strengthen my appeal? I'm particularly interested in previous London Tribunals decisions involving obscured suspension signs, inadequate signage, multiple PCNs for a stationary vehicle, or disproportionate removal.
Thank you in advance for any help.
