Free Traffic Legal Advice
Live cases legal advice => Civil penalty charge notices (Councils, TFL and so on) => Topic started by: Tod on January 21, 2026, 12:01:11 pm
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I think there may be a flaw in the wording of the PCN.
The law requires the PCN to state (amongst other things):
"(iii)that the penalty charge must be paid before the end of the period of 28 days beginning with the date of the notice;
(iv)that if the penalty charge is paid before the end of the period of 14 days beginning with the date of the notice, the amount of the penalty charge will be reduced by the specified proportion;
(v)that, if the penalty charge is not paid before the end of the 28 day period, an increased charge may be payable;"
Clearly, in that context, the 28 date period in part (v) is 28 days beginning with the date of the notice.
Your PCN states "If the penalty charge is not paid before the end of the period of 28 days beginning with the date of service of the Notice, an increased charge of £240.00 (less money paid) may be payable".
Date of service is different to the date of the notice (presumed to be 2 business days different by law). As such the PCN does not comply with the legal requirements and ought to be unenforceable.
@Hippocrates is the go to member when it comes to technical deficiencies - see what he thinks.
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Hi, thanks for your reply.
Here is the exact location link to the junction so you can check it on GSV:
📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/BTvM4w87vm5aVnuE6
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Your understanding is wrong, unfortunately. The only time you can stop in a YBJ is if you enter to turn right, and cannot complete the turn because of oncoming traffic.
Their video shows a clear contravention, but the camera is 'on-high'. Please post a GSV link to the exact location. You have an appeal argument if buildings prevent you from seeing to the left of the YBJ.
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Hi all,
I’ve received a PCN for Contravention 31J (box junction) at Piccadilly / Berkeley Street. I was turning left in heavy traffic. My understanding up to now has always been that when turning left or right, it’s acceptable to pause briefly in a box junction if traffic ahead slows, as long as you’re not blocking cross traffic.
In this case, I entered the box while turning left, traffic then didn’t move and I was stopped for about 7 seconds, with part of my car in the box because there was nowhere else to stop. The CCTV shows I was turning and didn’t obstruct other vehicles.
I’m now learning that enforcement may be stricter than I thought, so I’d appreciate any advice on whether my understanding was wrong and whether there are any realistic grounds to challenge, or if paying at the discount is the sensible option.
@Hippocrates
Thanks in advance.
Tod
https://ibb.co/twYX6Wjw