Free Traffic Legal Advice

I was parked for approximately 5 minutes while dropping off two business parcels at the local Post Office. I am a sole trader selling goods online. The postage had already been paid in advance — I simply needed to hand the parcels over and have the QR codes scanned by staff to obtain proof of posting.

I have two receipts from the Post Office time-stamped 13:16 and 13:19, which match almost exactly with the CEO’s observation times.

Do I have strong grounds to challenge this under the loading exemption?

Thanks

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It does say this on the Southwark Council website:

You can stop to load and unload on parking bays (such as pay and display or permit bays) for a maximum of 20 minutes during controlled hours.

https://www.southwark.gov.uk/parking-streets-and-transport/parking/parking-restrictions/loading-and-unloading

The parcels were not big or heavy.

You are able to pay for 5 minutes on the app.

Here is my response:

Dear Sir/Madam,

I write to make formal representations against Penalty Charge Notice JK19181826 issued on 23/02/2026 to vehicle MT18 JHZ in Green Hundred Road.

At the time of the alleged contravention (Code 12s), I was parked for approximately five minutes solely for the purpose of delivering two business parcels using my van to the local Post Office in the course of my trade as a sole trader operating an online retail business.

The parcels had already been prepaid; however, I was required to physically hand them to Post Office staff so that the QR codes could be scanned and proof of posting issued. This process requires attendance inside the premises and cannot be completed without leaving the vehicle.

I enclose two Post Office receipts time-stamped 13:16 and 13:19, which correspond directly with the Civil Enforcement Officer’s observation period (13:16–13:19). This demonstrates that loading activity was taking place throughout and that the vehicle was parked only for the minimum time reasonably necessary.

To substantiate that this was genuine business loading activity, I have also provided:

Confirmation of my UTR number from HM Revenue & Customs;

Financial statements from my trading accounts on eBay and Amazon;

A screenshot of my Amazon business seller information page, which displays my registered business details and UTR number;

Copies of the invoices for the items dispatched, which link the buyer delivery postcodes directly to the corresponding Royal Mail / Post Office receipts.

This evidence clearly demonstrates that the goods were sold in the course of business, were being dispatched at the time of the alleged contravention, and that the vehicle was being used for continuous business loading activity.

The loading exemption applies where goods are being transported in the course of trade and the activity is continuous and reasonably necessary. The short duration (approximately five minutes), the matching timestamps, and the comprehensive supporting documentation confirm that this exemption applies.

In light of the above, I respectfully request that the Penalty Charge Notice be cancelled.

Yours faithfully,