Author Topic: Redbridge - Contravention Code 16. All signs obscured or painted over  (Read 3057 times)

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Re: Redbridge - Contravention Code 16. All signs obscured or painted over
« Reply #15 on: »
Done - looks like Imgur is doing something strange with the previously uploaded images. Let me know if these show ok.

Also - google drive link with all of the images referred to in my first post: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1z9bwDy9vIGG_g6Iz4Xxk2oU6r70GGKm7





« Last Edit: October 02, 2025, 11:25:49 am by fezster »

Re: Redbridge - Contravention Code 16. All signs obscured or painted over
« Reply #16 on: »
Thank you - I did read that page, and so it looks like I should go ahead and make a representation, as I will not receive anything in the post.

I'd like some advice on whether there are any technical challenges I can make on the PCN?

If not, whether or not the obscured signage (on both entry to the zone and in/around the parking spot), plus the fact the CEO has evidenced a sign 100m away - are these all strong grounds for an appeal? Or if anything else I should be considering or adding.

Thanks!

Keep the representation simple. It is that signage is not adequate. Send the council the zone entry sign, tell them you found it afterwards and that it is clearly non compliant. Also tell them that the sign which the CEO photographed was 100m from the vehicle and was not driven past. Invite them to cancel the PCN.

I can take over later if you wish especially for the tribunal.
I help you pro bono (for free). I now ask that a £40 donation is made to the North London Hospice before I take over your case. I have an 85% success rate across 2,000 PCNs but some PCNs can't be beaten and I will tell you if your case looks hopeless before asking you to donate.
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Re: Redbridge - Contravention Code 16. All signs obscured or painted over
« Reply #17 on: »
Thank you very much. Submitted the representation and will update once I receive a reply.

My representation is below (for reference):

Quote
Dear Sir or Madam,

All photos referred to are in the attached word document and labelled with a heading.

I wish to challenge the above Penalty Charge Notice.

I am not local to this area and am unfamiliar with the parking restrictions that may apply. I, therefore, have to rely on the signage in place to be informed of any restrictions.

The alleged contravention did not occur because the restriction was not clearly signed in accordance with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD).

The route I took into Paget Road was from Ilford Lane → Jersey Road → Lowbrook Road → Paget Road. At no point along this route were the restriction signs visible or legible:

•   The entry signs to Jersey Road were defaced (photo 1)
•   All signs along Jersey Road were defaced (photos 2 - 5).
•   On Paget Road, the sign adjacent to where the vehicle was parked was facing the wrong way and defaced (photos 6–7).
•   On Lowbrook Road, the only other visible sign from this location was also defaced (photo 8).
•   On Lowbrook Road, the next nearest sign within walking distance was also defaced (photo 9).

I note that your Civil Enforcement Officer’s evidence has photographed a sign roughly 100 metres from where the vehicle was parked (photo 10 which the CEO produced as evidence). I have attached photo 13 which shows the location of the 5 closest signs, circled in green, to the parking space - all of which were defaced. The CEO had to walk 100m (photo 14 showing the distance to this sign) to the sign marked "number 4" in order to produce a photo for evidence. This is further confirmed by the timestamp on the photo which is 3 minutes after the photo of the vehicle was taken, showing they needed to walk some considerable distance.

I also note that the CEO seems to have intentionally not photographed the defaced sign right next to the parked vehicle. The angle of the photo they have taken conveniently leaves this sign out of shot (photo 11). You can refer to my own photo 15 and photo 16 showing the defaced sign next to the vehicle. This demonstrates that the signage within the vicinity of the vehicle was inadequate.

The TSRGD and associated case law and adjudicator decisions confirm that restrictions must be signed so they are clear, either upon entering a zone, or at the point of parking. Motorists cannot be expected to walk several minutes to discover a restriction, particularly when the nearest signs are obscured. As this is a zone where restrictions apply, the entry into the zone can be relied on to enforce those restrictions. However, as my evidence shows, this sign was also defaced.

In light of the above, I respectfully request that this Penalty Charge Notice be cancelled, as the contravention did not occur due to inadequate signage.


Re: Redbridge - Contravention Code 16. All signs obscured or painted over
« Reply #18 on: »
Received the following rejection today in the post from Redbridge. To be expected, I guess. For some reason I had hope they might apply a bit of reason.

What are next steps here? I thought it would now go to London Tribunals - but the letter says to wait for the NtO and then submit another formal representation (which I presume will be rejected for the same reason) and only then can it be taken to the independent ajudicator - is that right?



« Last Edit: October 16, 2025, 02:34:46 pm by fezster »

Re: Redbridge - Contravention Code 16. All signs obscured or painted over
« Reply #19 on: »
Your final paragraph is correct.

One must be patient and follow the legally set procedure.
I help you pro bono (for free). I now ask that a £40 donation is made to the North London Hospice before I take over your case. I have an 85% success rate across 2,000 PCNs but some PCNs can't be beaten and I will tell you if your case looks hopeless before asking you to donate.
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Re: Redbridge - Contravention Code 16. All signs obscured or painted over
« Reply #20 on: »
What would you put my chances of success on this?

I'm normally up for the fight, on principle alone. However, part of me is considering just paying the reduced rate and move on ...

Re: Redbridge - Contravention Code 16. All signs obscured or painted over
« Reply #21 on: »
There is a high chance of winning.

If you want to join the mugs club then that is your choice.
I help you pro bono (for free). I now ask that a £40 donation is made to the North London Hospice before I take over your case. I have an 85% success rate across 2,000 PCNs but some PCNs can't be beaten and I will tell you if your case looks hopeless before asking you to donate.
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Re: Redbridge - Contravention Code 16. All signs obscured or painted over
« Reply #22 on: »
Got it - will wait for NtO and submit the same as previous for formal representation. Then wait for inevitable rejection and come back here for next steps. Appreciate it!

Re: Redbridge - Contravention Code 16. All signs obscured or painted over
« Reply #23 on: »
I thought I'd established this is in a PPA - this is about the PPA entry signs. Where are they? The council has just posted a repeater sign.

Re: Redbridge - Contravention Code 16. All signs obscured or painted over
« Reply #24 on: »
I took pictures a couple of weeks later (all the signs were still exactly the same - not been replaced - still painted over).

These are the closer pictures of the signs upon entry to the PPA from Ilford Lane -> Jersey Road:

GSV Link: https://tinyurl.com/4e39nnts