Let's see your challenge and their rejection letter in full.
There's no point in paying so you may as well just try again but the best outcome is probably recovering the discount.
Why did your phone run out? Have you thought about getting a an in-car gadget to charge it? Mine cost £1 and it plugs into any of three power ports in the car.
This was my challenge:
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to formally challenge the above Penalty Charge Notice issued at Hainault Forest. I fully understand the importance of parking regulations and I normally take great care to follow them. However, I would respectfully ask that you reconsider this notice and exercise discretion in light of the circumstances.
On the day in question, I arrived at Hainault Forest intending to purchase a valid ticket straight away. Unfortunately my phone had no battery and when I was able to turn it back on, I also faced a short delay in regaining connection. As soon as I was able to do so, I immediately purchased a valid ticket which was obtained around fifteen minutes after parking and covered my stay in full. At no point was I attempting to evade payment and the fact that I did buy a ticket demonstrates my genuine intention to comply with the rules.
This is the first time I have ever received a PCN and I would ask that you take into account my clean record as a motorist who usually complies without issue. This was an isolated incident caused by unavoidable circumstances beyond my control, and it should not outweigh years of responsible compliance.
I would also draw your attention to the Council’s duty under the Traffic Management Act 2004, which requires enforcement to be fair, proportionate and not applied in a way that undermines public confidence. The statutory guidance makes clear that local authorities are expected to use discretion where there are genuine mitigating circumstances. Furthermore, Redbridge Council’s own guidance confirms that PCNs may be cancelled if there are “other compelling reasons”. The situation I faced, being temporarily unable to purchase a ticket due to a dead phone and lack of signal, yet paying promptly once able, is exactly such a compelling reason. The Council has suffered no loss, as the parking fee was paid in full, and enforcing a penalty in this case would be disproportionate.
In light of my first time offence, the genuine attempt to comply, the unavoidable nature of the delay, and your discretionary powers both under statute and your own policies, I respectfully request that you cancel this PCN. I trust that the Council will take a fair and reasonable approach and I am grateful for your time and consideration.
They did not provide me with a rejection, this was the only letter I have received.
It ran out because someone borrowed the cable and forgot to put it back, the wireless pad in the car doesnt work either.
Thanks
