Free Traffic Legal Advice

Hi All,


I have received a PCN from Redbridge council. Pretty annoyed as I'm not sure how I managed to miss the signs, but I was somewhat in a rush as I was attending a GP appointment alongside my Mum and had my two-year old in the car. I entered the road less than 10 minutes before the restriction expired as well, which is unfortunate. I have had to have a look around to find out what the signage says, as it isn't clear from the pictures on the PCN, and the new signage isn't currently on Google Maps. I've attached an image below of what the signage says.

What confuses me is the blue, 'Term-time Only' signage, which doesn't appear on Google Maps so it must be a relatively new addition. I am not quite sure how I'd know when term-time is, and different schools break up at different times. For example, this current week (W/C 17th Feb) is half term for some schools, but I know of other schools that break up earlier/later, so wouldn't this mean the 'Term time Only' wording is quite vague?

I've attached some images below of the PCN letter, as well as the PCN images from the Redbridge council website. Would this be something worth appealing?

Many thanks in advance for anyone who can offer any advice.

Indeed. I won one a few months ago.  Here:

https://www.ftla.uk/civil-penalty-charge-notices-(councils-tfl-and-so-on)/pcn-failing-to-comply-with-a-restriction-on-vehicles-entering-a-pedestrian-zone/msg49432/#msg49432

Another pending.

Please screenshot all the pages including the hoops you have to agree by ticking the boxes. And the last page which limits to one representation. Then:

Draft:


Dear Sir or Madam

1. The council’s website limits to one ground of representation and also fetters its discretion by creating many hoops through which the appellant must pass in terms of grounds it will not accept. Please see the screenshots attached.

2. The following case supports the argument of the proscribed sign: Conor Costelloe v London Borough of Merton Case No. 2240078999. The Adjudicator said: But what in my view is rather markedly non-compliant is the legend "School term time" in a separate panel below the grey backed signage.

3. Further, the application for a review of the above case was refused:

Review decision

Reasons for refusal

While I agree with a general proposition that an advisory or advance warning sign does not have to be compliant, the issue in this case is not simply about a non-compliant advance warning sign.

It is a reasonable inference that the advance warning sign was installed because motorists intending to turn left may find it difficult to appreciate the restriction before committing to the turn. The advance warning signage must therefore give a clear warning to render the overall signage adequate.

The use of the phrase "during terms times" is not authorised for the simple reason that it requires motorists to know what the term time are so it is just about non-compliance, it is about a lack of clarity as to when the restriction operates.

If an advance warning sign is needed and it is not clear, the Adjudicator is entitled to conclude the overall signage is inadequate.

The application is refused.




In light of the above, I please cancel the PCN.

Yours faithfully

Of course they will reject.

Let's see all sides of the Letter of Rejection. Only redact yr name & address.

If you wish for representation, I am available.

I will PM you and advise. I will file the appeal for you online.