Free Traffic Legal Advice

Hi All,

Hoping for some help.

I recently received a penalty notice for something that I think is very unfair. The penalty notice states that I stopped on a restricted bus stop or stand. The reality however is as follows:

- The car in front of me (approx. 4 cars ahead) decided to suddenly do a 3 point turn, so myself and the two cars in front of me had to suddenly stop (which was in the bus stop) for a very short while to allow him/her to finish the maneuver.

- I did not leave the car, I had to reduce my speed and stop for 9 seconds which they have provided video evidence for.

- One of my back headlight stopped working, but I'm not sure that should affect anything.

- It's not a bus lane but a bus stop. I did not park the car in any way shape or form, but stopped to allow the person in front to complete a three point turn.

Any pointers/assistance with appealing this ticket from Redbridge Council is much appreciated. 

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Bus stops can have a 'no stopping at any time' restriction, but that only applies if you choose to pull over and stop in one. It doesn't apply if you're driving along in an active lane of traffic and are forced to stop in one by stopped cars in front of you.

Normally we'd ask you to attach the video, but just from that photo alone this looks like a pretty frivolous and unfair PCN.

Councils don't like to back down so easily, but if this got as far as an adjudicator I suspect the council would get wrecked (as the young people would say) for issuing this. That's just nasty.

There is an exemption to avoid an accident or in an emergency. The video would be helpful.

Post the video if it confirms all you say if they do not back down you would have a good case to apply for costs

Thanks, Did you move off at the same time as all the other traffic?

That's one of the most ridiculous PCNs I've ever seen, and I've seen plenty.  It's so bad I actually think representations would be accepted by the council as clearly no human has actually looked at this after the computer had flagged it and the PCN had just been waved through.

One for Mr Mustard's blog!

What was the result please?