3. Bristol City Council, 02 parked in a restricted street, Old Market Street
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Bristol City Council, 02 parked in a restricted street, Old Market Street
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Parked in a restricted area from around 3.40 onwards, did not notice the 4.30-6.30 limitation, and the car was given a PCN supposedly at 17.15 and the car was towed at 6.00 thereafter. I have had to pay for the PCN and recovery to get my car back from Hinton Rescue, who didn't even properly notify the police as they 'got the registration mixed up', so for the night I thought the car was stolen. Luckily, I got through to the rescue courtyard today and they confirmed it was there. There was no PCN attached when I got to the courtyard.

The reason given is 02 - Parked or loading/unloading in a restricted street where waiting and loading/unloading restrictions are in force

But in person at the recovery yard they told me that the car had been removed due to it being in an active bus lane (I don't see a bus lane there though, and it would make no sense as buses can turn right after the roundabout to go onto the other side of the street). I was not in the loading bay, but in the street parking further up from it.

Google maps location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KuECXN2UyG5uEMzm8







I am not sure what I can do about this but I do find it rather extreme that I've had to pay 140 for the tow release and PCN even though I wasn't blocking any ways and it certainly wasn't in an active bus lane or loading bay. I have noticed the PCN number given and the removal release form I was given by the courtyard are different (BS294 vs BS299?) if that's anything.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. TIA


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Re: Bristol City Council, 02 parked in a restricted street, Old Market Street
« Reply #1 on: »
We don't see many tow cases outside London.

Here it seems reasonable to tow on a major road as the restriction is probably timed to leave the road clear during evening rush hour.

But this was yesterday, a Saturday, so while the restriction applied the proportionality of towing can be challenged.





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Re: Bristol City Council, 02 parked in a restricted street, Old Market Street
« Reply #2 on: »
Quote from: stamfordman on January 04, 2026, 03:50:21 pm
We don't see many tow cases outside London.

Here it seems reasonable to tow on a major road as the restriction is probably timed to leave the road clear during evening rush hour.

But this was yesterday, a Saturday, so while the restriction applied the proportionality of towing can be challenged.

...

I hadn't quite thought about the rush hour restrictions, so that makes sense for a Monday-Friday - but I agree, not quite a Saturday. And this road is never really blocked up during rush hour compared to the rest of Bristol (as people usually are parked there anyway!)

How would I challenge about the proportionality of the towing? Thank you!
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Re: Bristol City Council, 02 parked in a restricted street, Old Market Street
« Reply #3 on: »
Post everything you were given at the pound.
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Re: Bristol City Council, 02 parked in a restricted street, Old Market Street
« Reply #4 on: »
Quote from: stamfordman on January 04, 2026, 04:24:52 pm
Post everything you were given at the pound.

That was all I was given - the PCN with that sheet (forgot the back) and the appeals process form which I'll attach now.



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Re: Bristol City Council, 02 parked in a restricted street, Old Market Street
« Reply #5 on: »
The good news, (if there is any !!), is that having paid the PCN and release fee, you have paid all there is to pay, and could get all or some of it back. You first appeal to the council, and when they reject, (as they will 'coz they don't want to lose the money), you register an appeal at the Traffic Penalty Tribunal. There are no extra costs in going to the TPT. If you lose there you just lose, and the council keep the money already paid, nothing more.
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Re: Bristol City Council, 02 parked in a restricted street, Old Market Street
« Reply #6 on: »
The paperwork looks OK.

I wouldn't hold out much hope but as said it costs nothing to try on the Saturday argument. You can't dispute the PCN I reckon, just the removal.

In London it would have cost £360 or £335 assuming no storage racked up.
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Re: Bristol City Council, 02 parked in a restricted street, Old Market Street
« Reply #7 on: »
Thanks everyone. I didn't think I'd have much chance on the PCN, but I'd like to contest that the towing was harsh. Has anyone got any examples of what I could write for an appeal? Would be greatly appreciated :) 
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