Free Traffic Legal Advice

If you had to guess what is the probability the defence of legitimate expectation would win at tribunal (and what does this process look like)? Leaning towards paying the reduced fine for now and writing a strongly worded email to my councilor for the future, as would rather not pay the full fine if I lose, but am in two minds about it.

Hi all,

Seeking some advice as to whether I have any leg to stand on to challenge a PCN.
On 04/01/2026 I received a PCN from Croydon council on Oaks Road (CR0 5HL), for "Parked with one or more wheels on or over a footpath or any part of a road other than a carriageway" (See details here:


)

While I know of not any legal relevance, people have parked on the dropped kerb (I think that's what you call it?) for years and this is the first ticket I've seen like this. I have seen many tickets given for even a millimeter of tire on the grass or grass verge (not the tarmac) but never when parked fully on the tarmac, I initially assumed this was just because the snow was slightly covering it making it hard to see. I initially appealed on this ground (I now realise this was very stupid to do without consulting here first), but alas it was rejected. My initial appeal was something along the lines of:

"The vehicle was parked fully on the reinforced vehicle crossover providing access to my driveway. No wheels were on the grass verge or on the footway.
Due to snowy conditions at the time, the hardstanding surface was obscured, which I believe led to an incorrect assumption that the vehicle was on the grass.
I have attached photographs taken shortly after the PCN was issued which clearly show the tyres positioned on the crossover surface and not on the grass or pavement.
For completeness, the footway and the crossover remained unobstructed, with sufficient width for pedestrian passage and vehicle access. However, my primary submission is that as no wheel was on the footway or verge, the alleged contravention did not occur.
I respectfully request that the PCN be cancelled."

This was rejected with the following letter:




Google maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/414YLBVQnnpSbT1H6

From what I understand this rule acts so people can easily cross the road but as there is nothing on the other side, just a forest with dense shrubbery, this wouldn't be the case perhaps?

So I guess my question is do I pay the reduced fee before the 6th, or do I have a decent chance at an appeal?

Thank you for any advice you may have.

Keeping to my word and finally have an update.
The ticket has been cancelled!

Truly thank you for all your help and advice

Dropped off my car near the beginning of June at a local garage and received it back on the 10/06/24. Had multiple problems with the garage as they handed it off to someone who kept on delaying the completion date but eventually got it back and fixed after a lot of hassling and getting them to wave the labour cost. Received a PCN today (links below) and it seems either the garage or the person they handed it off to drove the car into central Southampton and left it there for a few hours, resulting in a PCN.


I have proof of when I picked up the car (a receipt) and possibly proof of when I dropped it off (location data from my blackbox but not sure how admissible that actually is).


As I'm not in Southampton at the moment, I plan on calling the garage tomorrow to ask for payment but they will most likely deny any responsibility. So my question is, if they do so, what should be my next course of action?

Thanks in advance for any advice

https://ibb.co/dWFj1wg
https://ibb.co/NtzTrD7