Free Traffic Legal Advice

Hello @cp8759 and all,

First time posting on here - what a resource! 

Please find below link to (redacted) images of my PCN, which I received through the post yesterday (19/01/25) and which relates to an alleged contravention on 23/12/24... (I've also tried to attach my redacted doc., too.)



In terms of what I think (or hope?!) might be reasonable and pertinent reasons to challenge, I've come up with the below four possibilities:

1. Contravention alleged  on PCN states "Entering and stopping in a box junction when prohibited" and I did not stop my vehicle at any point.  The continued movement of my vehicle is clear in the video evidence provided.
2. The traffic light changed causing the car in front of me to stop the exact moment I entered the box junction area - I slowed but did not stop and did not obstruct any traffic, as can be seen by vehicles entering Branfill Road from Station Road in the video evidence provided.
3. I maintain that I did not stop, but even if this claim is maintained, the period stopped would be de minimis.
4. PCN states "... The vehicle was observed from to on 23/12/2024...." which does not make sense.

Here is a link to the Google Street View of the location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nf8MRYNUu7yRr84y7

I've not received (or challenged!) one of these before; therefore,please could I ask for some help in terms of whether there's much chance of an appeal being successful and if so, how I might best go about it?

Many thanks!

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Thank you very much for the response, @incandecent - much appreciated  

A few follow-up questions, if I may?

- In terms of a representation response, would the advice be to include the four points I've included in my first post?
- Is the lack of clear evidence of an actual stop a valid argument?
- Is there anything else I should add, do you think? 

Finally - are there any other "technicality"-type arguments I could use that I'm not aware of (in terms of what is/ins't written on the PNC doc. etc.?)

Thanks again!

Thanks again @Incadescent  

I'm going to submit a representation...

Please could you let me know your thoughts on my draft below?

I write to make a respresentation to effect the cancellation of this PCN for the following reasons:

The contravention alleged on the PCN states "Entering and stopping in a box junction when prohibited".  I did not stop my vehicle at any point - the continued movement of my vehicle is clear in the video evidence provided.  At no point throughout the video evidence does my car come to a complete stop – I continued moving forward at all times.

Furthermore, the traffic light change which can be seen in the video evidence caused the car in front of me to stop the exact moment I entered the box junction area. 
The driver in front of my vehicle stopped quite suddenly at the point the lights changed from green to amber – verging on what could be described as an “emergency stop”. 
The majority of drivers would have reasonably expected the driver to continue through the amber light in the situation presented.
I therefore slowed (to avoid a collision) but did not stop and also - did not obstruct any traffic, as can be seen by vehicles entering Branfill Road from Station Road in the video. 

In summary - I maintain that I did not stop and even if this fact is challenged - the lack of clear video evidence showing a clear actual stop, as well as the impact on any other road users, would be subject to the de minimis rule.

To conclude - for the reasons set out above - I look forward to the swift cancellation of this PCN.

Video:



I've been through this frame by frame, and I cannot see any two frames where the wheels are in the same position.

There might have been an argument to be made about the grounds of appeal available on the council website, but as you've already made a representation we have no way to check. Still, I think this should win on its merits. I'm sure the council will reject but they may well DNC it at the tribunal.

I think your representation is fine as it is, you just need to understand that they will refuse it and you will have to appeal to the tribunal.

What about the PCN errors and website errors?

Why show our hand early? They might DNC it or not put in any evidence, for all we know they might upload the wrong CCTV footage, I've had that before.

Thanks again all for your help - representation submitted!

I've attached a screenshot of the confrmation; I'll keep you posted... 

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Have you checked the council website for the status/history of the PCN?