Free Traffic Legal Advice

Am I getting deja vu? Have seen a very similar case at this junction not that long ago.

Another angle that night be successful is that you didn't have to stop where you did as you left such a large gap to the vehicle in front.  I've not done the calculations but it's likely you could have continued crossing the box at a slowish pace and the white car in front would have cleared (or at least started moving) by the time you got there.

yeah that's true, in hindsight I could have moved at a slower pace.

would I have a chance with my appeal to adjudicator?

You submitted formalreps to the council; there is no first informal stage like a parking PCN. Next stage as per their letter of rejection, is to appeal to the adjudicators at London Tribunals. 

I have to say, after looking at the video, that I don't think you have a strong enough case to risk the extra £65. They have re-offered the discount, but see what others say before making your mind up.

It's a bit technical. The adjudicator will see your car charge into the box, then stop and slowly reverse. The car is still partly in the box at the end of the video. As I said, the odds don't look good to me. But Hey, you have the absolute right in law to take them to London Tribunals if you want a punt !

Here's what the Earl of Montrose wrote in the 17th Century

"He either fears his fate too much
Or his deserts are small
Who fears to put it to the touch
To win, or lose it all!

Unfortunately the Earl lost, and was hanged, drawn, and quartered in Edinburgh on the 21st May 1650