Hi All,
I've drafted the following regarding my appeal, please let me know what you think. This is based on going through the allowed appeals and adjudicator comments. Unfortunately I live quite far away from the location (about 3-4 hours round trip) so I'm relying on Google Maps for the preceeding signage and am just hoping that it hasn't changed since.
I am appealing PCN 771911293. I find the signage is inadequate in informing drivers that a prohibition on all motor vehicles entering Royal Albert Way is in effect.
Prior to the Royal Albert Way roundabout there are signs that display “Traffic camera enforcement at Royal Albert Way”. However, they do not contain any further information, such as what the restriction is or the hours of enforcement. I do not consider that these signs provide adequate information or warning to motorists regarding the restrictions in place. The signs could easily be construed as simply having speed cameras on Royal Albert Way.
There is no diagrammatic indication that the entry to one of the roundabout exits is effectively prohibited. By the time a vehicle exits the roundabout, it is too late and might be hazardous to take evasive action. The road upon which the restriction is located is a dual carriageway and therefore a vehicle that has exited the roundabout has no apparent way of avoiding the restriction in a safe manner.
From memory, I do not recall the sign on the left hand side of the dual carriageway being illuminated. The video footage shows that the right hand side illuminated sign is visible, which could also be mistaken as a prohibition on continuing along the roundabout and proceeding towards Dockside Road.
I would also like to point out section 1.3.2 of the Traffic Signs Manual, that states:
“In order to achieve safe and efficient operation of a highway network, it is essential that all signing provided is necessary, clear and unambiguous, and gives its message to road users at the appropriate time. The message must be quickly and easily understood at the point it is needed; neither too soon that the information might be forgotten, nor too late for the safe performance of any necessary manoeuvre.”
I feel that the council has not provided adequacy or compliance of its signage and therefore the Penalty Charge Notice should be cancelled.