Free Traffic Legal Advice

Don't just cough-up, but submit representations that you are abroad, and when you departed, the permit was clearly visible on the car. State that you returned to the UK after the discount period had expired and request they re-offer the discount. Also state that you accept the permit is not showing in the CEO photos, so can only surmise that it had fallen down whilst you were away. Ask for discretion as a long-term permit holder.

I’ve contacted Toyota’s homologation department to request a certificate of conformity. Fingers crossed that gets me what I need to convince them. It does have a wait time of 10-15 days though..

I guess I wait for that to come through before submitting any appeals?

No, you mustn't miss any deadline on the PCN or it's game over. Best to submit something and say that you will be sending the homologation certificate of conformity for your car, but it takes 10-15 days, so request the PCN is put on hold until you submit copies.

Others who attend adjudications as reps will know the average time for an adjudication, but it is certainly not hours (plural) ! Also it is a one-time event, following which the adjudicator will decide which party wins.The decision is then sent out and also recorded on their Statutory Register.

Thanks for looking into this. I will appeal based on this.

I dont mind taking them to the Tribunal , if that's what it will take but just wanted to know if I have actual grounds for an appeal. Thanks again for taking the time to respond. Its very much appreciated.

Just remember that the discount option is not available at London Tribunals as it is a discount for early payment

So it looks from your photos that you were parked here: -
https://maps.app.goo.gl/crY2s2DdQGmDrDoe8
and there is a sign on the side that you parked, but the cretins have put it by the bay adjacent to the gate across the street.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/n8nXCSfHoLQoq5A76

This bay is separated from yours by the double-yellow lines. This means the bay you parked in is in a separate set of bays that require their own sign, but as you say, there is no sign.

So you should submit representations stating that the bay you parked in was one of a group of (Nn), but had no sign with the bay restrictions. With no sign, this means the bays are uncontrolled and the PCN is therefore void, so you request it is cancelled forthwith.
The problem you will have is that Redbridge, being greedy for your money, will just send you a Fob-Off letter, thus forcing you to either pay the discount, or wait for the Notice to Owner and submit a formal representation this time. The discount is lost at the NtO stage, although it is likely Redbridge would re-offer it when they reject your formal reps. Really the only way to get a result is to take them to London Tribunals and risk the full PCN penalty. Councils know people are reluctant to do this, so they ruthlessly game the system to "encourage" payment.

So are you the owner with your name and address on the V5C for the car, and is the V5C address up-to-date ?

Your dad, as the registered keeper, retains legal responsibility for payment or appeal of the PCN but can nominate a person to act for him at the adjudication, (yourself), but if the case is lost he must pay the pcn, and you, (obviously) reimburse him.

Stamfordman has identified what could be a winning argument at London Tribunals.

Thaousands of people have taken councils and also TfL to the London Tribunals over the years. There is nothing daunting about it, and almost all hearings are by phone or video (MS Teams, I think). No oath swearing, it is all fairly informal. Councils and TfL rarely attend. If you lose you pay the full PCN penalty, but there are no additional costs at all, and if you win, you pay nothing, but Brent will have had the PITA of preparing an evidence pack and also paying the LT adjudication fee.

So it's up to you, pay the discount, or stand your ground at LT, but my view is it is not a slam-dunk win. So for the strongest case presentation, follow Stamfordman's line of approach.

Try submitting informal, non-confrontational representations on the lines that you saw what seemed to be a bay and parked. Explain that you were not aware of the practice of painting over bay markings if the bay is removed, and tell them the offence will not occur again. Ask for the PCN to be cancelled on this ocasion. OK, they will probably refuse them, but at least they'll have had to do some work for the money !