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Live cases legal advice => Civil penalty charge notices (Councils, TFL and so on) => Topic started by: ihateinjustice24 on May 03, 2026, 02:02:10 pm

Title: Re: **PCN Lambeth - 53J - multiple PCNs before first notice received / proportionality**
Post by: Hippocrates on May 03, 2026, 02:21:10 pm
The latter and I am happy to assist.
Title: **PCN Lambeth - 53J - multiple PCNs before first notice received / proportionality**
Post by: ihateinjustice24 on May 03, 2026, 02:02:10 pm

Hi all, I’m looking for some advice as a follow-up to my situation, as things have now progressed and I’m unsure on the best course of action.

I previously posted about receiving multiple PCNs from Lambeth for driving through a pedestrian/school street restriction on Sunnyhill Road. The first contravention occurred on 27th February 2026 at 15:35, but the first PCN was only received around 9th March. During that period, I continued to use the road, so any further contraventions occurred before I had any opportunity to change my behaviour.

Following the advice given here, I submitted informal challenges for all PCNs, explaining that I was unaware of the restriction at the time and that all contraventions took place before I received the first PCN. I also explained that the total amount is more than I can afford to live on for the month, and I provided evidence of this.

I have now received a rejection for the first PCN, which appears to be a standard/template response. It focuses only on the signage being clear and does not address the key point that all subsequent contraventions occurred before I had any opportunity to modify my behaviour. It also does not acknowledge the financial evidence I provided or offer any form of payment arrangement.

At the moment this rejection is only for the first PCN, but I have already received 4 further PCNs for the same location, and I can only assume the others will be rejected in a similar way.

For clarity:

* First contravention date: 27/02/2026 at 15:35
* First PCN received: approximately 09/03/2026
* Additional PCNs: 4 further PCNs already received, all for the same location and all occurring before I became aware of the restriction

As soon as I received the first PCN, I stopped using the road during restricted hours.

From the advice in my previous thread, I understand this is not “continuous contravention” in the strict sense, but rather an argument that enforcing multiple PCNs in these circumstances is disproportionate, as I had no opportunity to change my behaviour before being notified.

This is already unaffordable for me and does not seem proportionate to the nature of the contravention. I did provide evidence of my financial situation, but I don’t feel this has been considered at all.

Given this, I would really appreciate advice on:

1. Is it worth pursuing formal representations (and potentially tribunal) for all PCNs on the basis of proportionality?
2. If i am forced to pay all 5 pcns, is there any ways to spread the cost or ways in which there is support for someone in my financial situation?

I am conscious of the 14-day discount period for the first PCN, so any guidance on the best approach from here would be greatly appreciated.

link to pcn's and appeal response: https://postimg.cc/gallery/CLLdcvc

**TL;DR:**
Received 5 PCNs for the same restriction, all before the first notice arrived. Challenged all; first one rejected with a template response ignoring the timeline. Total cost is unaffordable. Trying to decide whether to pay the first at discount or pursue formal appeals for all based on proportionality.