Free Traffic Legal Advice

You can see the venal greed and rapacity of London councils with this case. I would take them all the way on this one. The basis of your appeal would be the offence did not occur for reason de minimis. Were you driving all the way along that street, or did you turn left onto it just before the bus lane ?

I was driving all the way along that street. How would you suggest I appeal? If you have any templates or anything, it would be much appreciated!

You need to major on the fact that you realised you were entering a bus lane, so moved as soon as was prudent, bearing in mind the neeed to check for traffic to your right), into the traffic lane. The distance covered in the bus lane was so short at around 10 metres as to surely be considered de minimis.

Understood. Would you recommend a specific template?

There are no templates, and for an adjudicator, (assuming you take them to London Tribunals), your own words are best, reviewed by us before you submit them.

Video deleted. Is there upright signage visible?  Do not admit to anything.

apologies, i dont know how this got deleted. here's the video
the signage is visible tbh

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/pgcqyx1azd8h0ug9genoj/WhatsApp-Video-2026-02-19-at-08.44.08.mp4?rlkey=4luv7z5nm587iz0sgrb5nlb8z&dl=0

Dear TH

Your video shows a sign to diagram 959 which is obscured. It does not show any sign to diagram 959. Therefore, the standard of proof of the alleged contravention is not satisfactory. Please cancel the PCN.

********

Check their website grounds too and put the above into a pdf.

Hi guys, thanks for the advice that’s already been given, I really do appreciate it. But just need a bit of clarity please:
Should I be appealing based on the de minimis of only being in it for a tiny amount of time and distance, or because the signage isn’t clear, or should I incorporate both?

I’m not great at this kind of stuff so I do apologise in advance!

I would mention the de minimis intrusion into the bus lane. If you get to London Tribunals, one always fires all one's ammunition.

How’s this for a draft (thank you AI!), please let me know what you guys think!

To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to formally appeal against Penalty Charge Notice [PCN NUMBER], issued in respect of vehicle [REGISTRATION], for the alleged contravention of ‘being in a bus lane’ on Cambridge Heath Road on [DATE].
I respectfully submit this appeal on the following grounds:
   1.   DE MINIMIS
Having reviewed the council’s own enforcement video, it is evident that my vehicle was present within the bus lane for no more than approximately 7–10 metres, and at no point fully within it. Upon realising I had inadvertently drifted into the bus lane, I moved back into the traffic lane as promptly as was safely practicable, having first checked for vehicles to my right.
The intrusion was momentary, minor, and immediately self-corrected. I submit that such a brief and negligible incursion should properly be regarded as de minimis, and that issuing a full Penalty Charge Notice in these circumstances is disproportionate and unreasonable.
   2.   INADEQUATE SIGNAGE / INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE OF CONTRAVENTION
I further draw the council’s attention to the fact that the enforcement video submitted in support of this PCN does not clearly show a sign to diagram 959 in a manner sufficient to establish that the contravention occurred. The standard of proof required to sustain a Penalty Charge Notice has therefore not been met.
For the above reasons, I respectfully request that this Penalty Charge Notice be cancelled in full.
Yours faithfully,