Free Traffic Legal Advice
Live cases legal advice => Civil penalty charge notices (Councils, TFL and so on) => Topic started by: Chr1s100 on January 02, 2026, 03:15:43 pm
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You also have the case I found to cite on the same entry to zone?
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Thanks Stamfordman,
I was trying to adapt my original appeal draft to be more like your suggestion, I wasn't really clear on the difference you were suggesting from my original and your proposed alternative (i.e. I had already mentioned the "alleged contravention" and the signage being inadequate, so it seemed like starting with being puzzled was what you were recommending. I obviously misunderstood that). As you mention, it seems like there is a good chance they would reject either way, which they did.
I have now received the Notice to Owner which I attach below:
(https://cdn.imgpile.com/f/5dgvgIL_xl.jpg)
(https://cdn.imgpile.com/f/y5iDbqp_xl.jpg)
(https://cdn.imgpile.com/f/t4peSdX_xl.jpg)
(https://cdn.imgpile.com/f/EIOEVDP_xl.jpg)
I intend to make a representation online.
My proposed representation details are:
I was puzzled to receive the PCN as it appeared I had parked in an unrestricted street. On further investigation I have found that the street is in a large permit parking area, but on retracing my steps I contend that the contravention did not occur owing to the entry signage on my approach being inadequate.
I entered Wellington Road from the High Street. The entry sign on the left-hand side of the carriageway (the nearside for drivers entering from this direction) has been rotated approximately 90 degrees, rendering it not visible to approaching drivers. I attach a photograph of this sign in its rotated condition.
Sections of Wellington Road are marked with double yellow lines and single yellow lines with accompanying signage. I parked in a section with no road markings and no signage of any kind, reasonably concluding it was unrestricted. I attach a photograph of my car parked in an unsigned and unmarked area.
I further note that the Department for Transport's Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 3, paragraph 13.10.2, states that permit parking areas designated by entry signs alone (without bay markings) are suitable for "a cul-de-sac or a small network of roads with little or no through traffic." Wellington Road is a through road with a mini roundabout. The application of entry-sign-only designation to this large, complex zone covering multiple through roads is inconsistent with this guidance, making it inherently difficult for unfamiliar drivers to identify the restriction.
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I only expect to be able to attach 4 photos, below are the 4 I am proposing to include - there is a 5th which shows the double yellow lines but I think this is less relevant. There are other photos in earlier posts which might be relevant. If any photos taht should be included are not here, please let me know:
Photo 1 - Entry sign at Wellington Road/High Street junction showing sign rotated ~90 degrees
(https://cdn.imgpile.com/f/6nvig1B_xl.jpg)
Photo 2 - Car clearly parked outside single yellow line restricted area. Ahead, you can see a lamp post adjacent to the single yellow line zone, this is where the Civil Enforcement Officer's photo of signage is from:
(https://cdn.imgpile.com/f/R9LlvX5_xl.jpg)
Photo 3 - Parking restriction sign. This is the sign from the Civil Enforcement Officer's photo which is in the distance in photo 2:
(https://cdn.imgpile.com/f/X3pDUH5_xl.jpg)
Photo 4 - Map of the permit parking zone and extract from DfT Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 3, Section 13.10
(https://cdn.imgpile.com/f/Nfz8CTp_xl.jpeg)
Photo 5 - Car parked outsize double yellow restricted area:
(https://cdn.imgpile.com/f/2xRLD9J_xl.jpg)
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You didn't take up my suggested wording which focused up-front on no contravention owing to inadequate entry signage for which we have a case for, and instead made a too long challenge that told a story that they are never going to read properly.
If you want to go on I suggest making more concise reps they can't ignore although to be fair they often just reject with template at this stage.
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If you want to take it all the way to adjudication, yes.
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So I adjusted the wording and appealed and the appeal has been rejected.
I had to edit the appeal slightly before submitting as it would only allow 4 photos to be attached but the appeal said pretty much this:
I was extremely surprised and frustrated to find a parking ticket had been put on my car as it appeared I had parked on an unrestricted street and I am always very conscious to park in a legal and considerate manner.
Upon finding the ticket, I took photos of the car as parked and walked along the street re-checking for signs to indicate that there was any sort of restriction in place. As I had noticed when I first parked, there were some sections of the road marked with parking restriction signs, but these were a distance away from the section of road I was parked on and had single yellow lines. There were also sections of the road with double yellow lines, however I was parked on a completely unmarked section of the road with no signs.
At this point I went home and was confident that there had been a mistake because even after looking around, there was nothing to suggest restrictions in place where I had parked.
Upon returning home and on further investigation I have found out that the street is in a large permit parking area, with signs at entries to this large area (albeit not on the section of road that I had parked on). I had not found these signs even when walking around the area to look for signs after receiving a ticket due to their distance from my parking location and seeming irrelevance to the section of road I was actually parked on.
After identifying this restriction online, I returned to the area again retracing my steps and contend that the contravention did not occur owing to the entry signage on my approach being inadequate. There are no signposts on either end of this section of the road from the mini roundabout down to the other end where the road meets Nelson road to suggest that there are restrictions which apply to this section of street. The signage at the entrance to Wellington Road from the High Street was not readily visible at the time of the alleged contravention. The sign on the left-hand side of the carriageway has been turned through approximately 90 degrees, rendering it effectively invisible to drivers entering the road from this direction.
Having missed the obscured entry sign due to its condition and identifying no signs or markings that indicated any parking restrictions related to the unmarked section of road after passing the mini roundabout, I reasonably concluded that this area was unrestricted. I took care to observe the visible parking restrictions on the road, noting areas marked with double yellow lines and single yellow lines with accompanying signage. I deliberately parked in a section with no road markings and no visible signage indicating any restriction. In the absence of road markings or visible signage, it was reasonable to conclude that this section of the street was unrestricted.
Upon researching further, I have identified that the permit parking area in question does not conform to the Department for Transport's Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 3, which provides guidance on the appropriate use of permit parking areas designated by entry signs alone (without bay markings). Paragraph 13.10.2 of the guidance states that this type of signing is suitable for "a cul-de-sac or a small network of roads with little or no through traffic" and warns that "otherwise the lack of road markings might tempt drivers unfamiliar with the area to park." Wellington Road is a through road with a mini roundabout, not a cul-de-sac or small enclosed network. The current arrangement covers a large zone of multiple roads with unclear boundaries.
It is extremely difficult for drivers to identify that there is a restriction at all unless you notice the signs at the boundaries of this large section and then map out the boundaries of the restriction area. Even had the entry signage been visible, the application of this signing method to such a large and complex area is inconsistent with the official guidance, which anticipates its use only where drivers can reasonably be expected to understand the extent of the restricted area.
As explained, there are clearly several issues with this charge and I request that this is promptly cancelled to avoid causing any further unfair and unwarranted disruption for something that was the result of poor and inadequate signage.
I attach the following photographic and pictorial evidence:
1. Photograph showing vehicle parked outside the single yellow line restricted area
2. Photograph showing vehicle parked outside the double yellow line area
3. Photograph showing distance between vehicle and the single yellow line restriction (Not included in the end)
4. Photograph of entry sign at Wellington Road/High Street junction, showing sign rotated 90 degrees
5. Map of the permit parking zone (merged with photo 6 to keep within 4 photo limit for redbridge site)
6. Department for Transport Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 3 extract (Section 13.10 – Permit Parking Areas)
Here is the response:
(https://cdn.imgpile.com/f/UKWRcnx_xl.jpg)
(https://cdn.imgpile.com/f/EFFixnM_xl.jpg)
I assume I'm now waiting for a Notice to Owner?
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You need to rework it a bit.
I would start it off:
I was puzzled to receive the PCN as it appeared I had parked in an unrestricted street. On further investigation I have found that the street is in a large permit parking area, but on retracing my steps I contend that the contravention did not occur owing to the entry signage on my approach being inadequate.
etc.
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Any thoughts on the proposed appeal before I send it? Thanks very much
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Thanks very much,
Here is my proposed appeal:
The signage at the entrance to Wellington Road from the High Street was not readily visible at the time of the alleged contravention. The sign on the left-hand side of the carriageway has been turned through approximately 90 degrees, rendering it effectively invisible to drivers entering the road from this direction.
Furthermore, Wellington Road is divided by a mini roundabout into two distinct sections. The section where my vehicle was parked has no signage at either entry point indicating parking restrictions. Having missed the obscured entry sign due to its condition, and finding no further signage upon entering the second section of the road, I reasonably concluded that this area was unrestricted.
I took care to observe the visible parking restrictions on the road, noting areas marked with double yellow lines and single yellow lines with accompanying signage. I deliberately parked in a section with no road markings and no visible signage indicating any restriction. In the absence of road markings or visible signage, it was reasonable to conclude that this section of the street was unrestricted.
The permit parking area in question does not conform to the Department for Transport's Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 3, which provides guidance on the appropriate use of permit parking areas designated by entry signs alone (without bay markings).
Paragraph 13.10.2 of the guidance states that this type of signing is suitable for "a cul-de-sac or a small network of roads with little or no through traffic" and warns that "otherwise the lack of road markings might tempt drivers unfamiliar with the area to park." Wellington Road is a through road with a mini roundabout, not a cul-de-sac or small enclosed network.
The guidance further notes that where a permit parking area "comprises a through road or is used for access to other roads not included in the area," specific amended wording should be used on signage. The current arrangement covers a large zone of multiple roads with unclear boundaries, making it difficult for drivers unfamiliar with the area to identify which streets are included in the restriction.
Even had the entry signage been visible, the application of this signing method to such a large and complex area is inconsistent with the official guidance, which anticipates its use only where drivers can reasonably be expected to understand the extent of the restricted area.
Attached Evidence:
Photograph showing vehicle parked outside the single yellow line restricted area
(https://cdn.imgpile.com/f/R9LlvX5_xl.jpg)
Photograph showing vehicle parked outside the double yellow line area
(https://cdn.imgpile.com/f/2xRLD9J_xl.jpg)
Photograph showing distance between vehicle and the single yellow line restriction
(https://cdn.imgpile.com/f/Xi4x64d_xl.jpg)
Photograph of entry sign at Wellington Road/High Street junction, showing sign rotated 90 degrees
(https://cdn.imgpile.com/f/OwkuQoW_xl.jpg)
Map of the permit parking zone
(https://i.ibb.co/3Y0f5xsY/Screenshot-2026-01-02-at-18-31-48.png)
Department for Transport Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 3 extract (Section 13.10 – Permit Parking Areas)
(https://i.ibb.co/39qh5W1y/Screenshot-2026-01-02-at-18-37-04.png)
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Draft a challenge and post here.
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On that basis, how would you recommend is best to take this forwards?
If you haven't already, now submit representations based on what you have told us about the signage. Of course they will reject them, but may shoot themselves in the foot in their reply. It is usual for them to re-offer the discount, provided the reps are received within the discount period, and may even re-offer it if outside it too, but that is less certain.
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On that basis, how would you recommend is best to take this forwards?
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I turned left into Wellington road from the high street, passed the twisted sign at the end of the road (although didn't see any signs at the time). I drove down that part of Wellington road then went across the mini roundabout onto latter part of Wellington road (which has no signs at either end of that section) and parked up.
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So if you entered by that twisted sign did you turn left or right into Wellington Road?
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Thanks very much,
Based on the information you've shared, there seem to be several possible grounds for appealing based on the permit parking set up itself, as well as an example where the left hand twisted sign has been used successfully to appeal a PCN.
How would you recommend is best to take this forwards?
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Redbridge is not very good at providing evidence to he tribunal of its various zones.
If this is one zone it's not compliant with guidance in my view and should not have any yellow lines. It should also have zone ends signs on all exits. Repeater signs are obviously scattered around but they are confusing as they are not adjacent to parking bays.
Traffic map, traffic signs manual and a tribunal case below that references that left hand sign.
They seem to have gone mad with these PPAs.
(https://i.ibb.co/3Y0f5xsY/Screenshot-2026-01-02-at-18-31-48.png)
(https://i.ibb.co/39qh5W1y/Screenshot-2026-01-02-at-18-37-04.png)
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Case reference 2250151042
Appellant xxxxxx
Authority London Borough of Redbridge
VRM KS23VYK
PCN Details
PCN AF08541629
Contravention date 14 Jan 2025
Contravention time 13:52:00
Contravention location Wellington Road
Penalty amount GBP 130.00
Contravention Parked resident/shared use without a valid permit
Referral date -
Decision Date 23 May 2025
Adjudicator Philippa Alderson
Appeal decision Appeal allowed
Direction
cancel the Penalty Charge Notice/Enforcement Notice.
Reasons
The Appellant is appealing a PCN issued in respect of parking in a permit holder only zone during restricted hours at the location.
The Appellant has attended the hearing.
The Council relies upon the contemporaneous evidence of the Civil Enforcement Officer, a copy of the PCN, map/site report, a copy of the relevant legislation and correspondence.
The Appellant contends that the signage at the entrance to Wellington Road was not readily visible as it had been turned sideway at the relevant time.
I have carefully considered all the evidence in this matter.
The CEO’s photographs show the vehicle parked and unattended on an unmarked section of carriageway on Wellington Road. The CEO has also provided a photograph of the signage relied upon. However, the proximity of the signage to the vehicle cannot be determined from the CEO's photographic evidence and the sign is not readily obvious in any of the photographs of the vehicle itself. One of the additional photographs provided by the Council denotes, by way of yellow arrow, relevant signage in relation to the vehicle, but such signage is on the opposite side of the road and it would be reasonable of a driver not to see/pay attention to such signage.
The Appellant has provided photographic evidence of relevant signage at the entrance to Wellington Road from the High Street. These photographs show this sign, on the left of the carriageway, to be turned through some 90 degrees, to the extent that I find it not to be sufficiently visible to drivers entering the road. Whilst the Council's photographic evidence shows there to be another similar sign on the right of the carriageway, I am not satisfied that this right hand sign alone is sufficient to indicate the restriction to drivers entering the road. Once a driver has missed the entry point sign, that driver may conclude, in the absence of road markings, that the street is unrestricted.
I therefore allow this appeal.
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I came down the road where the sign is twisted round, went round the mini roundabout and parked up.
I've parked there before without any issues, not sure when the last time was though and I don't know when they brought these restrictions in.
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It's a large permit holders-only zone, way beyond what official guidance suggests. On the other hand they seem to have put up repeater signs in the zone. What was your approach ?
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I have driven round and this is a map of the permit parking area where each red line indicates an entrance point with two signs, one on either side of the road.
(https://cdn.imgpile.com/f/IsCp82R_xl.png)
One of the two signs at the top of Wellington road is currently at 90 degrees, so facing down the footpath.
(https://cdn.imgpile.com/f/OwkuQoW_xl.jpg)
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Entrance to Wellesley Road from Herman Hill that Wellington Road leads off:-
https://maps.app.goo.gl/TB3oNbsFiCkZYdkn8
and also entrance to Nelson Road off Herman Hill that Wellington Road leads off at its other end: -
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ixk2iJrDHYFFQxRX8
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Redbridge has put in a lot of permit parking areas - these have entry and repeater signs but do not require kerbsides to be marked with permit bays - exceptions to permits are signed bays (eg pay pays).
So check what route you took and whether the PPA is of a reasonable size - they should only be used in single or a few streets in one PPA.
(https://i.ibb.co/6R7St60S/Screenshot-2026-01-02-at-15-27-36.png)
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Council: Redbridge council
Alleged contravention: Code 16, parking in a permit space or zone without a permit.
Location: Wellington Road, Wanstead, Redbridge
Just received a PCN on car windscreen parked on a section of the road with no obvious parking restrictions.
The road has a section of double yellow lines, a section of single yellow lines which also has a parking restriction sign, and then a section of road with no markings or signs.
The car was parked on the section of road with no markings or signs but received a yellow ticket on the windscreen regardless.
Photos attached of the layout described above including my car parked as well as of the PCN. My car is the grey VW polo.
I would like to make an appeal and would like advice on the best way to approach this. It seems fairly clear to me that if the sign applies to the section of the road that the car was parked on, then these signs and markings are not adequate and are misleading because the single yellow line clearly ends before where my car is parked, however, I am quite willing to believe that putting just this information into an appeal may well not be accepted and therefore I would like advice on how best to approach this.
Please let me know if I have left out any required information, thanks in advance for any help you can provide.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/keYz7FT6PbyuE5Kg8
(https://cdn.imgpile.com/f/K3HEzV6_xl.jpg) - PCN FRONT
(https://cdn.imgpile.com/f/4UFx7Q1_xl.jpg) - PCN BACK
(https://cdn.imgpile.com/f/Xi4x64d_xl.jpg) - Car outside single yellow zone 1
(https://cdn.imgpile.com/f/R9LlvX5_xl.jpg) - Car outside single yellow zone 2
(https://cdn.imgpile.com/f/2xRLD9J_xl.jpg) - Car outside double yellow zone
(https://cdn.imgpile.com/f/X3pDUH5_xl.jpg) - parking sign and single yellow line