Medway- Chatham High Stret - CC01- Parked in a restricted street during prescribed hours
Loading Exemption & CEO Conduct and any other– Grounds to Challenge this PCN.
Link to photos & Postal PCN
Loading CHS. Postal PCN VDA
I would appreciate advice on whether I have grounds to challenge a PCN issued by Medway Council.
Background
On 19/03/2026, I parked in order to load large and heavy items I had just purchased from Primark in Chatham. These included:
13 thick bulky long dresses
Packed in a very large IKEA bag & a large pink Lidl shopping bag.
Due to the size, weight, and awkward nature of the items, I needed to park as close as possible. Even then, the walk back to my car was approximately 6 -7 minutes, and longer due to mobility issues.
I have a receipt timed at 17:56.
Timeline
PCN observation time: 18:02:31 – 18:04
I was returning to my vehicle while carrying the big heavy bags when I saw the CEO standing next to my car.
I informed the CEO I was loading and showed him the bags but he ignored me a said he has already issued the PCN but to there was no PCN affixed to my car no did he have one ready to hand over. He was still taking pictures and was trying to start printing it
He stood by the passenger door, preventing me from loading until I asked him to move.
When I began opening the door, he moved in front of my car instead to prevent me from driving away.
At this point:
The PCN had not yet been printed or served.
The CEO stated he had “already issued the ticket,” but it was clearly not complete.
CEO Conduct
The situation escalated as follows:
The CEO stood in front of my vehicle, preventing me from leaving.
He was shouting and behaving in an aggressive and intimidating manner.
He began taking photos of me while I was in the driver’s seat.
I felt forced to reverse to avoid hitting him, as he blocked my path forward.
This created a dangerous situation, as my visibility was compromised while trying to manoeuvre safely. I felt panicked, intimidated, and fearful.
Postal PCN
A postal PCN dated 20/03/2026 was later received.
The council’s website shows only an image of my car driving away.
Grounds for Challenge (Please advise)
1. Loading Exemption
I was actively loading heavy, bulky goods.
The timing supports this:
Purchase: 17:56
Observation: 18:02–18:04
The activity was continuous and necessary.
2. Duration
I was parked only as long as necessary to collect and load the items.
3. PCN Service (Regulation 10)
The CEO had not completed or served the PCN when I returned.
The situation suggests I was not prevented from being served, but rather the CEO had not finished issuing it.
Does this invalidate the use of a postal PCN?
4. Mobility Issues
I have ongoing mobility problems and medical evidence (orthopaedic referral, physiotherapy).
This necessitated parking as close as possible.
5. CEO Behaviour
Aggressive, intimidating, and confrontational.
Obstructed me from loading and leaving.
Created a hazardous situation by standing in front of my vehicle.
6. Procedural Impropriety – Service Period
The PCN states that Medway Council allows “an additional 3 working days” for service.
However, legislation states service is deemed 2 working days after posting.
Is this discrepancy a procedural impropriety?
7. Discount Period Issue
On 6th April, the PCN showed £35 (discounted).
On 7th April, it showed £70.
This appears to be before the 14-day discount period expired.
Does this amount to unfair or unlawful enforcement?
8. Additional Grounds?
Are there any further arguments I may have missed?
Deadline Question
I calculate the 28-day deadline for appeal as 20 April 2026.
Is this correct?
Can the experts review and advise on the strength of this case—particularly around loading exemption and postal PCN validity and any other grounds that I may have missed or not aware of
—I would be very grateful.
