Hi all, I just want to gather some thoughts on this and see if I'm actually liable to pay for this PCN... and wondering if I should wait for the NtO and appeal again
Basically, I have parked my car on Wardour Street at 21:30 thinking it's some usual parking space where you don't need to pay after 18:30, but it turns out there was a "residents permit only" parking sign in between two portable toilet. Those toilets are almost same height as the sign, and 100% would not be able to see from where I parked (certainly not from driver seat too), I doubt people going to see it even walking by the street cuz nobody would expect to find a parking sign in between 2 toilets. So I made an appeal and I got rejected, without any explanations, just "carried out a review of your case and considered all of the information you provided but, on this occasion, I am unable to cancel the PCN"
I felt this was extremely unfair and felt like a scam. This was the appeal letter I sent:
"I am writing to formally challenge the aforementioned parking ticket on the grounds of unclear and inadequate signage pertaining to the residential parking restrictions in the area where the contravention is alleged to have occurred.
On the evening in question, I parked my car at around 21:20, and diligently searched for any signs or road markings indicating parking restrictions. It's a common practice for me to ensure that I am in compliance with parking regulations to avoid any inadvertent violations. My understanding, based on the general parking rules in the surrounding areas, was that parking bays do not require payment after 6:30 PM. Given the lack of visible signage or road markings to the contrary, I deemed it safe to park in this bay.
Upon parking, I took extra precaution by walking approximately 10 meters towards Old Compton Street to look for any signs that might indicate different parking restrictions for this particular bay. This effort was above and beyond the necessary, especially since my actual destination was a restaurant in China Town, which is in the opposite direction of Old Compton Street. Despite this extra effort, I was unable to find any signs indicating that this was a residential permit holder only parking bay.
The situation was further exacerbated by the presence of two mobile toilets which significantly obscured the visibility of the "Residence Parking Pay" sign that I later came to know existed. The photograph captured by the enforcement officer showcases the mobile toilets but not the sign, underscoring the inherent visibility issue.
Moreover, the lack of road markings, which are a common feature in other residential parking areas to indicate parking restrictions, further contributed to the misunderstanding.
I have enclosed photographs from my driver's side perspective showing the obscured signage and the absence of road markings. The darkness at 9 PM further hampered the visibility of the sign, making it highly unreasonable to expect compliance under such circumstances.
I believe the aforementioned points highlight a procedural impropriety on the part of the enforcement authority, warranting the cancellation of this ticket. I am willing to provide any further information or attend a hearing if necessary. I understand the importance of parking regulations and always strive to adhere to them. However, under the circumstances described, the lack of clear and visible signage led to an unintentional infraction."
PCN: 
Photos from their council:
(see how the sign is situated in the middle of the toilets)
(see where my car positioned with the toilet.. I definitely didnt expect there's a sign in between those toilet..)
Photos I took on the night, just to prove there's no way for me to notice the sign at all, especially it's dark and close to where everyone is urinating.
The rejection email I got:
Any advice or thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks everyone...
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