Free Traffic Legal Advice

Hi all,

Seeking some advice as to whether I have any leg to stand on to challenge a PCN.
On 04/01/2026 I received a PCN from Croydon council on Oaks Road (CR0 5HL), for "Parked with one or more wheels on or over a footpath or any part of a road other than a carriageway" (See details here:


)

While I know of not any legal relevance, people have parked on the dropped kerb (I think that's what you call it?) for years and this is the first ticket I've seen like this. I have seen many tickets given for even a millimeter of tire on the grass or grass verge (not the tarmac) but never when parked fully on the tarmac, I initially assumed this was just because the snow was slightly covering it making it hard to see. I initially appealed on this ground (I now realise this was very stupid to do without consulting here first), but alas it was rejected. My initial appeal was something along the lines of:

"The vehicle was parked fully on the reinforced vehicle crossover providing access to my driveway. No wheels were on the grass verge or on the footway.
Due to snowy conditions at the time, the hardstanding surface was obscured, which I believe led to an incorrect assumption that the vehicle was on the grass.
I have attached photographs taken shortly after the PCN was issued which clearly show the tyres positioned on the crossover surface and not on the grass or pavement.
For completeness, the footway and the crossover remained unobstructed, with sufficient width for pedestrian passage and vehicle access. However, my primary submission is that as no wheel was on the footway or verge, the alleged contravention did not occur.
I respectfully request that the PCN be cancelled."

This was rejected with the following letter:




Google maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/414YLBVQnnpSbT1H6

From what I understand this rule acts so people can easily cross the road but as there is nothing on the other side, just a forest with dense shrubbery, this wouldn't be the case perhaps?

So I guess my question is do I pay the reduced fee before the 6th, or do I have a decent chance at an appeal?

Thank you for any advice you may have.

I thought so :/
GSV: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Q3Wx6miv2FwGn6mc9

For me this is a money-grubbing PCN, (clearly the CEO is on an "incentivised" contract). However, the PCN is unfortunately legit. I would go with SFM's suggestion of 'legitimate expectation". Maybe also contact your local councillor to complain about needless enforcement only done to get the money in.

For us, if you just fold and cough-up without even challenging the PCN on 'legit expectn', you are joining the Mugged Club. Best to submit reps to make them to at least some work for their money.  They will re-offer the discount when rejecting.

You had challenged the PCN before you posted here, and then the grounds of 'legitimate expectation' came up, which is a legitimate grounds for cancellation, although mostly dealt with at the adjudicators. So yes, you'd have to wait for the NtO and submit reps against that. The downside is you lose the discount option.Having said that, many councils do re-offer it. There is no discount option at adjudication.