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Hi,

I received a PCN.  Date of contravention:6/04/2024    Date of notice: 18/04/2024

Contravention Code: 31J - Entering and stopping in a box junction when prohibited
Location: MTC-Cricket Green j/w Bramcote Avenue
London Borough of Merton

Is there any chance of challenging this? -  mainly on the grounds of the visibility of the box junction.  The box junction markings are badly faded so it is not possible for the driver to see whether they were approaching the box junction.  The other point of note, is that the CCTV is from a camera high up on a pole and does not reflect exactly what a driver can see from within the car at ground level, given that the lines are faded.

Or it there any other way of challenging this PCN?

Have attached the PCN notice and the video link below.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SUt5xeAdP2RkVbbEz_-lixInItOTNjh8/view?usp=sharing

Would appreciate any help.
Thanks.


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A photo of the driver's view would be helpful, (essential !),  if this is to form part of your reps against the PCN.

Thanks for your replies.

Is there any specific area/para/part I would need to quote from the The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD) 2016 to help

@Pastmy Best - agree that one is not aware of the bus stop being there so close to the junction and the sudden stopping of the bus in free flowing traffic, does not give one sufficient time to react to stop.  It's a trap as by the time you realise you need to stop you have entered the junction.

Also,can't understand why the council have put a box junction there?  Could they not have just marked the area as ' Keep Clear'? especially given that the bus stop in near the junction.

 

Hi,

This is what I have typed to appeal my PCN.

Is it okay or do any amendments need to be made?. 

I am also attaching the document with Video evidence and Photos as a separate Word Document which I will be sending along with the below.

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I am challenging this PCN that the alleged contravention did not occur -mainly on the grounds of the visibility of the box junction to the oncoming driver and the ensuing poor quality of the actual yellow criss-cross lines. 

The box junction markings are badly faded, especially across where the vehicle tyres go over; it is not possible for the driver to see them when approaching the box junction. 

The other point of note, is that the CCTV view is from the pole camera high up and DOES NOT not reflect exactly what a driver can see from within the car at ground level, given that the lines are faded.

In addition, I was travelling directly behind the TFL bus and free flowing traffic.  I was unable to see the box junction before I entered it as my view was obscured by the bus.  Importantly, the bus stop is located DIRECTLY too close/soon after the box junction, when it made a stop.  For an oncoming driver, it would be highly unlikely to make a reasonable stop, before the junction.  As a result, and combined with the faded box junction lines, the driver will find themselves effectively in the box junction, in effect finding himself trapped.  Essentially, there needs to be at least one car’s length, so that a car can safely stop behind the bus and thus avoid the box junction without being trapped, as is the case with how the current layout of the junction now appears. 

In conclusion, due to the poor visibility of the faded box junction lines, I was thus not able to see it until I was effectively ON TOP of the box junction, by which time it was too late.

It is not possible for me to show the actual drivers view at the time, however please find attached a photo and video evidence from site giving an idea.  Please note the attached photo evidence (taken after the incident) does not show any vehicles in front of my car. On the day of the alleged contravention, there was much free flowing traffic and the ‘big’ TFL bus in front of my car.


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Thanks.

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It looks OK, but don't expect them to roll-over and cancel, they just want your money !

I have to say the YBJ doesn't look as "invisible" as you make out, having looked at your photos. Anyway, submit your reps, then post-up their response when you get it. It is always possible they will shoot themselves in the foot.

Thanks Incadescent and cp8759.

Will send it and wait for the 'Notice of rejection'!

https://www.ftla.uk/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=1749.0;attach=6389

I have looked at the video and can only comment that, as per usual, councils' cameras show the YBJ in a better light. When you look at the video provided in the link above, the lines are clearly not "good enough" on approach IMO.

@cp8759 any views re the NOR? I have had a look.