Free Traffic Legal Advice

Got a PCN for bus lane.

I queried the name and description of the road as a procedural impropriety; but was rejected.

See my follow up email below which lays out the two issues
1. No such named road exists
2. The TRO describes it as 'northbound exit slip' when in fact its 'southbound' [Gateshead is definitely south of Newcastle!!]

Welcome people views...

I write regarding the Bus Lane described below.


45. Tyne Bridge Slip Road

To request a pdf file of a map of this bus lane please send an email to ble@newcastle.gov.uk

Description: northbound exit slip (nearside lane) - from the Tyne Bridge to a point 37 metres south of Swan House Roundabout.

The above is taken from your own documents [including the TRO]

1. I believe that the Bus Lane mentioned is actually a 'southbound exit slip'. I say this because taking the slip road puts the user onto the Tyne Bridge heading south [to the Gateshead side].

Unless I'm losing it, Gateshead is considered 'south' of Newcastle. The actual geographical compass bearing I would say is 'south-easterly'; but I think its commonly accepted as being southbound.

Could you please confirm it should be described as 'southbound'. Failing that could you explain how it can possibly be described as 'northbound'?


2. I can't find any road called 'Tyne Bridge Slip Road' - could you please point me to where the name of the slip road is legally established.

I have looked on findmystreet.co.uk [a fantastic resource developed in conjunction with the Local Government Association], and it says the road is called 'City Way'. The Ordanance Survey has no road named Tyne Bridge Slip Road, and again indicates its called City Way.

I look forward to your reply
 

The exit slip is defined as a "bus gate" in the TRO -

1. Tyne Bridge Slip Road southbound entry slip (offside lane) -from Pilgrim Street Roundabout for its entire length

. You've quoted the section of the TRO for the bus lane on the opposite slip road leaving the Tyne bridge, not joining the road. Looking at the road layout, this appears to be correct as it's a separate carriageway at the point of leaving the roundabout - so I don't think the location argument assists here (the bus slip road doesn't appear on street data). Others may disagree however.

Regardless, "Tyne Bridge Slip Road" seems like an accurate description of the location, and it's defined as coming off the relevant roundabout, so I think you'll struggle with a locational based arguement.

As per usual advice, please post the PCN in full.

@desktop1 please read the guidance here and post up the PCN, don't redact the PCN number or the number plate please.