Free Traffic Legal Advice

PCN Number: FR64106814
Vehicle Registration Number: VO23UCC

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to formally challenge the above PCN issued for an alleged contravention of “53C - Failing to comply with a restriction on vehicles entering a pedestrian and cycle zone”. My challenge is based on the following points:

1. Inadequate Advance Warning of the Restriction
Upon revisiting the location (Dawlish Road), I confirmed there are no advance warning signs indicating the restriction prior to the turn. The only visible signage is positioned at the turn itself, which is insufficient for motorists to make a safe and informed decision. The absence of advance signage makes it unreasonable to expect compliance, particularly when a driver is focused on navigating hazards and traffic at the turning.

Inadequate signage has been the basis for upheld appeals in similar cases. I respectfully submit that the placement of signs at this location does not meet the standards for clarity and visibility required under traffic regulations.

2. Placement and Orientation of Signage
The current signage at the location is mounted high and positioned side-on relative to the driver’s line of sight. This further reduces its visibility and effectiveness, especially for drivers turning into Dawlish Road. As the signs are not easily noticeable under normal driving conditions, this may lead to inadvertent contraventions.

For the reasons outlined above, I believe the restriction was not clearly communicated, and this undermines the legitimacy of the PCN. I therefore kindly request that the PCN be cancelled.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Yours faithfully,

1. Inadequate Advance Warning of the Restriction
Upon revisiting the location (Dawlish Road), I observed there is no advance warning signage informing motorists of the restriction before they reach the turning. The absence of advance notice does not allow drivers sufficient opportunity to comply with the restriction.

While the council may argue there is signage at the location, an abundance or “plethora” of signs in an area can itself create confusion rather than provide clarity. Motorists rely on clear and strategically placed signage to make informed decisions while driving. A restriction of this nature, without adequate warning and clear visibility, unfairly penalises drivers.