Hi everyone,
Just looking at the fantastic advice given here, there is a lot to learn from here.
Bradford Clean Air Zone
I was sent a PCN for entering the CAZ. My Vehicle is PHV so I am liable to pay this.
I entered it unknowingly and only found out once I received the PCN.
Unfortunately, I had already submitted an appeal against it before finding this website. They have rejected the appeal (probably because they are broke). They have now sent me the Notice of Rejection.
Here is my initial appeal
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to formally contest the Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) I received for allegedly entering the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) on 17 August 2024. The PCN references Rooley Lane as the point of entry. However, I only received the notice on 7 September 2024, hence the timing of my response.
Before my journey, I used the interactive map and set my Sat Nav specifically to avoid the CAZ, which is why I did not enter the zone when I initially drove into Bradford. I have since reviewed the road layout and discovered that I mistakenly entered Rooley Lane. My approach to the roundabout was from Rooley Avenue. Due to unfamiliarity with the area and the dimming light, I was in the incorrect lane and unable to safely change lanes at the roundabout to take the M606 exit. To avoid an unsafe manoeuvre, I was forced to continue ahead. The next sign at the exit instructs drivers to continue straight to join the M606 (picture 2), which further added to my confusion. Had the signage indicated staying in the right lane to avoid the CAZ, I would have avoided entering the zone altogether.
Unfortunately, there was no legal opportunity to turn around without proceeding through the zone, and there is a no U-turn sign along the road, further restricting my options.
As someone unfamiliar with Bradford’s road layout, I was unaware that this particular road was part of the CAZ. Coming from London, where the congestion zones are clearly signposted, including markings on the road, I expected similar signage. However, at the approach to the roundabout on Rooley Avenue near the petrol station (picture 1), there was no clear indication of which exit would lead me into the CAZ. Furthermore, the signage on the roundabout exits themselves also did not provide any clear indication of the CAZ boundaries. The only signpost that shows which exits are part of the CAZ is the one positioned when exiting the M606 (picture 3), and I did not enter the roundabout from that exit. This differs from London’s ULEZ and LEZ zones, where exits are marked accordingly.
Given these circumstances, I feel the fine is unfair. It was a genuine mistake, exacerbated by a lack of clear road markings and signage. I am in debt after recently purchasing this vehicle, and this fine would only add further financial strain.
I would like to stress that if I had known I was entering the CAZ, I would have paid the relevant charge promptly. I am accustomed to paying charges in London, such as congestion and airport zone fees, and have always complied with those systems.
I kindly request that you take these factors into consideration and reconsider this fine in light of the situation.
Yours sincerely,
Here are the photos for the above appeal
Here is the response from the council
On the councils response on the first paragraph they incorrectly wrote 'You also mention that, upon seeing the CAZ sign, you were unable to make a legal U-turn to avoid the zone'
I am pretty sure in the appeal above, I did not mention this.
Finally, here are the pictures of the contravention
I have another couple of days before the half price offer goes. Do I have a leg to stand on? Or should I just pay?
I think its extremely unfair and a trap to make money. Especially since there is nothing signs on the roundabout exits to indicate you are entering the CAZ.
Should I take it further? Please advise
Any help would be appreciated.
Kind Regards
Ishy
**EDIT** Here is the initial PCN
