Free Traffic Legal Advice

Let's see your challenge and their rejection letter in full.

There's no point in paying so you may as well just try again but the best outcome is probably recovering the discount.

Why did your phone run out? Have you thought about getting a an in-car gadget to charge it? Mine cost £1 and it plugs into any of three power ports in the car.

This was my challenge:

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to formally challenge the above Penalty Charge Notice issued at Hainault Forest. I fully understand the importance of parking regulations and I normally take great care to follow them. However, I would respectfully ask that you reconsider this notice and exercise discretion in light of the circumstances.

On the day in question, I arrived at Hainault Forest intending to purchase a valid ticket straight away. Unfortunately my phone had no battery and when I was able to turn it back on, I also faced a short delay in regaining connection. As soon as I was able to do so, I immediately purchased a valid ticket which was obtained around fifteen minutes after parking and covered my stay in full. At no point was I attempting to evade payment and the fact that I did buy a ticket demonstrates my genuine intention to comply with the rules.

This is the first time I have ever received a PCN and I would ask that you take into account my clean record as a motorist who usually complies without issue. This was an isolated incident caused by unavoidable circumstances beyond my control, and it should not outweigh years of responsible compliance.

I would also draw your attention to the Council’s duty under the Traffic Management Act 2004, which requires enforcement to be fair, proportionate and not applied in a way that undermines public confidence. The statutory guidance makes clear that local authorities are expected to use discretion where there are genuine mitigating circumstances. Furthermore, Redbridge Council’s own guidance confirms that PCNs may be cancelled if there are “other compelling reasons”. The situation I faced, being temporarily unable to purchase a ticket due to a dead phone and lack of signal, yet paying promptly once able, is exactly such a compelling reason. The Council has suffered no loss, as the parking fee was paid in full, and enforcing a penalty in this case would be disproportionate.

In light of my first time offence, the genuine attempt to comply, the unavoidable nature of the delay, and your discretionary powers both under statute and your own policies, I respectfully request that you cancel this PCN. I trust that the Council will take a fair and reasonable approach and I am grateful for your time and consideration.

They did not provide me with a rejection, this was the only letter I have received.

It ran out because someone borrowed the cable and forgot to put it back, the wireless pad in the car doesnt work either.

Thanks

Hello lovely people,

Hope you’re all doing great.

I really need a bit of help with a parking ticket I got on 16 August — my first ever visit to Hainault Forest.

Here’s what happened: my phone completely died, so I couldn’t use the RingGo app to pay for parking straight away. I had to walk over to the café (quite far from the car) to find a charger. Once I managed to get my phone powered up, there were also issues with my network (Vodafone not being the best). I paid for parking — so I genuinely didn’t try to avoid paying.

I explained everything clearly in my appeal, including timestamps. I’ve now received the Notice to Owner, and it feels really unfair, especially since I did everything I could under the circumstances and the fact they didn't provide a notice of rejection.

On top of that, I have ADHD, which makes these situations a bit more overwhelming — I was trying my best to handle it properly.

If anyone can guide me on what to do next or share some advice, I’d be massively grateful. I’ve got all the details and proof ready if needed.

https://cdn.imgpile.com/f/0TU3boT_xl.jpg
https://cdn.imgpile.com/f/5Hg0TPq_xl.JPG
https://cdn.imgpile.com/f/wrU5URU_xl.JPEG

Thanks a million for your help! 🙏

Quote from: beatthecase on August 03, 2025, 09:11:59 pm

Is there something wrong?

That link identifies the CCTV camera, not the location of any signs. The point is that we now know the council must provide a certificate for a SEA RoadFlow Flexi Camera, if they provide a certificate for any other sort of camera then we can have the evidence thrown out as inadmissible.

Hi All,

I have a reply from the council regarding the appeal I made a month ago, please see below.

Sorry for the late submission, I was on holiday.

Has the Enforcement Notice been challenged?

Just had this back from the council:

[img width=915.5 height=236]https://i.imgur.com/eyOsXMe.png[/img]

Hi,

Yes I have challenged it based on the information Hippocrates gave me.

I don't understand, I went onto the link and still shows no sign?

Thanks

The OP says they forgot the clock not that they didn't know.

Any reason why?

This case in Islington shows a type of approach.

https://www.ftla.uk/civil-penalty-charge-notices-(councils-tfl-and-so-on)/islington-code-01-parked-in-a-restricted-street-market-rd-zone-d/

Just completely glitched and forgot to add. Just pure coincidence that I also have ADHD but this badge is for my mother. I therefore might apply the same manner.

There is CCTV of the car from a ring door bell and so will add that to the evidence as well.

Thanks so much!

What was your challenge? When seen, I suggest waiting for the Enforcement Notice and I will draft a detailed one for you bases on the evidence, or lack of it.

Please see below, thank you again!

Case number: EF98759576
Vehicle registration: EA74NVX
Contravention: 34J - Being in a bus lane
Date and time of contravention: 12/04/2025 12:28

Reason for appeal: 'I was avoiding an accident'

Your answers:

-Question 1 : 'Please briefly describe the circumstances of the accident which you tried to avoid by moving into the bus lane'
        Answer : 'Dear Sir/Madam,
On the day in question, I was travelling along Bullsmoor Lane when the vehicle directly in front of me brake-checked suddenly and without warning. To avoid a collision, my vehicle’s automated emergency safety system intervened and steered slightly into the bus lane momentarily. This action was necessary to avoid a serious rear-end accident and was not a deliberate attempt to use the bus lane improperly.
Importantly, I was in the bus lane for no more than 20 metres, which is within the generally accepted tolerance across many UK councils for evasive or merging manoeuvres.
Grounds for Appeal:
•       Emergency avoidance: The deviation into the bus lane was caused by an unforeseen and immediate hazard ahead.
•       Safety system activation: My vehicle acted independently to reduce risk, highlighting that this was not a voluntary traffic violation.
•       De minimis breach: The time and distance in the bus lane were minimal, likely under 20 metres — a reasonable and often accepted allowanc'
-Question 2 : 'Would you like to give us any more information or tell us about mitigating circumstances?'
        Answer : 'Yes'
-Question 3 : 'Please explain in as much detail as possible why you think your PCN should be cancelled'
        Answer : 'I was travelling with my disabled mum and kids and therefore was just trying to keep them out of harms way.'
-Question 4 : 'Would you like to upload any other documents to support your case?'
        Answer : 'No'
-Question 5 : 'We will process your information in accordance with our privacy policy. Please check the box below to confirm that you have read and understood the privacy policy'
        Answer : 'Checked'

Why did you park there, how long for and can you prove it.

That said this is Newham but you never know they may cancel.

Hi,

To visit family, I was there for an hour before getting the ticket. I have tickets of when I went to nearby post office and there is cameras on that road.

I doubt it, these councils are clutching at anything to get the money

Thanks