Free Traffic Legal Advice

Hi there,

I received the below PCN 53J from Brent Council for failing to comply with a restriction on vehicles entering a pedestrian zone, on Forty Avenue turning on to Elmstead Avenue in Wembley.

Original PCN

I didn't remember seeing any signs, so I went back to the site of the contravention a couple of days after I received the PCN
https://maps.app.goo.gl/U82caPviZooUxRBAA

- I found the signs on the main road covered in foliage
- The signs at the beginning of Elmstead Road were impossible to see when turning into the road.

I went to the website to see what evidence the council had,
- the images they had of the main road had been taken 6 month prior to my contravention, in winter, when there were no leaves on the trees by the signs
- The pictures they had of the signs at the beginning of Elmstead Road were taken from across the road, not on approach to the road.

I replied to this letter with "The alleged contravention did not occur."

They replied with the below:

Brent Reply 1-1
Brent Reply 1-2
Brent Reply 1-3

I then replied with a detailing all my evidence.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1U8c9hETvgWULLJmYr1Xex7dlNCtK9YWV/view?usp=sharing

They replied with the below.
Brent Reply 2

Would you recommend I just pay the fine, or should I appeal to the adjudicator?

Thanks in advance for all your help.

Here is the sign from GSV Oct 2025 : -
https://maps.app.goo.gl/vUqXsmC444aZdawo6

The GSV camera car was obviously in the other lane, so the sign is visible from there, but clearly the tree has obscured it, and I would think almost covered it from a motorist's view driving towards it.

The restriction signs themselves would only show end on to a motorist turning left, as per the above, the GSV car is on the opposite side of the road, so one of the signs can be seen: -
https://maps.app.goo.gl/zPyk3yU3qvjNCCeB8

I think you have a good case, but are you prepared to stand your ground and risk the extra £80. As you have have realised, the discount is there to make sure few people question the PCN, and it works too !  Only a very small percentage of motorists ( ~5%) bother to take councils all the way.

Hi @Incandescent,

I received these 2 letters on the same day, 10/12/25, despite the fact they are dated 5 days apart.

Brent Council Letter 05/12/25
Brent Council Letter 10/12/25

As the fine appeared to now be £240 when I went on the Brent Council website, I ended up challenging this as I had nothing to loose, however I failed in my challenges.

This is the original rejection letter
Tribunal reply 25/12/25

I challenged this on the below grounds:
"The last letter of rejection of my PCN I received from Brent Council was dated the 5th of December, which clearly said I was still able to appeal to the adjudicator, and or pay the reduced fine. Therefore, my appeal cannot be considered out of time."

They have rejected it again.
Tribunal reply 13/01/26 - 1
Tribunal reply 13/01/26 - 2

The fine has now gone to £240.

Is there any other action I can take, or just suck it up & pay?

Thanks in advance for any advice.