Draft reps:
Dear London Borough of Newham,
I challenge liability for PCN PN38189702 on the ground that the alleged contravention did not occur. My vehicle was parked in what is quite clearly a loading bay, as explained in paragraph 13.6.3 of chapter 3 of the Traffic Signs Manual:
"13.6.3. As an alternative to the white road marking, contrasting bays may be used (see Appendix B for Northern Ireland). The area available for parking is indicated by either block paving or coloured road surface, varied in pattern or colour. The bays must stand out from the surrounding parts of the road and any adjoining bays, so that drivers are clear about where to park and which restrictions, if any, apply."
The variation in the road surface clearly conveys that there is a bay at this location, although the double yellow lines indicate it may be used for loading and unloading only.
At the material time I was engaged in commercial unloading for Deliveroo, I refer you to the "Gourmet Sushi" delivery shwon in the attached screenshot.
It follows that the alleged contravention did not occur and the PCN must be cancelled.
Yours faithfully,
Make sure to keep a screenshot of the confirmation page.
@WhoLetTheScamsOut chapter 3 of the traffic signs manual (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/782724/traffic-signs-manual-chapter-03.pdf) says at paragraph 13.6.3 that:
13.6.3. As an alternative to the white road marking, contrasting bays may be used (see Appendix B for Northern Ireland). The area available for parking is indicated by either block paving or coloured road surface, varied in pattern or colour. The bays must stand out from the surrounding parts of the road and any adjoining bays, so that drivers are clear about where to park and which restrictions, if any, apply.
It seems to me that this area looks misleadingly like an area where vehicles are permitted to park for the purpose of loading and unloading, which is indeed permitted on double yellow lines.
What sort of deliveries were you doing?