Free Traffic Legal Advice

Hi,
In here is the link for the stills that show the time from when I stopped (05:55:04) to when my passenger exited (circa 05:55:39).

I've got lots of other communications that I have spent the day scanning and redacting. But I'm not sure all that really helps. The crux of the issue is this:

• I would not have stopped if it were not for the patrol car that stopped in front of me in the middle of road (blocking it), that I had to sit behind for more than 30 seconds
• I would likely have paid the fine if when I explained the circumstances to VCS they turned round and said a version of, that's all well and good Mr XXX, but at the end of the day you dropped a passenger off, so pay up. Instead it responded by saying that they had reviewed the CCTV and my version of events were not supported by the CCTV evidence. So essence, calling me a liar. I think that PDF of CCTV stills proves my version of events.
• It is that principle that has really irked me. I can pay the fine, but if I don't stand up for what's right and shine a spotlight on these types of unhanded tactics, then who does? Which is why I didn't hesitate to reveal myself. It's not that I want to avoid paying it because of none of us like fines (I've paid my fair share), it's the circumstances of this one which is making me dig my heals in.

[li]I really do appreciate all the comments so far, thank you. Please do let me know if there is anything else that you think maybe useful to see.[/li]
[li]Big thanks again![/li]
[li]Dan[/li][/list]

Hi,
I found this forum and I'm looking for some advice, please!

TL;DR Summary
VCS issued me a “no stopping” PCN at Bristol Airport, but the only reason I stopped was because the VCS patrol vehicle ahead of me stopped in the middle of the road, blocking the carriageway while dealing with another car. Their stills show me stuck behind the van from 05:55:04. They repeatedly claimed the CCTV disproves my account, but refused to release it for months (GDPR excuses, “no software”). Their legal firm Elms Legal has now provided only partial CCTV starting 30 seconds too late, omitting the crucial moment when the van stopped. An ICO complaint is ongoing. Elms Legal are now “reviewing” my request for full footage and have extended the case hold until 13 December 2025. I’m looking for advice on obstruction as a defence, land status at Bristol Airport, VCS evidence issues, DSAR non-compliance, and preparing for potential court action.

FULL CASE DETAILS BELOW
Overview
Hi all, I’d appreciate guidance on a long-running case with Vehicle Control Services (VCS) relating to a “No Stopping” PCN issued at Bristol Airport.
The case has developed into a dispute not only about the incident itself but about VCS’s refusal to disclose key CCTV evidence.

Incident Summary
* Date/time: 04/05/2025 at approx. 05:55
* Location: Bristol Airport access road (approach to terminal)
* Operator: Vehicle Control Services (VCS)
* Allegation: Stopping in a restricted zone
* I was the driver, but not the registered keeper (the RK is my mother)

Key fact:
I stopped only because the VCS patrol vehicle in front of me suddenly stopped in the middle of the road while dealing with another vehicle parked up by the terminal. I had no safe or obvious way to pass without crossing white hatched lines. I waited ~30 seconds before my passenger exited.

Why I Believe the PCN Is Incorrect
1. The patrol vehicle caused the stop
VCS claim the CCTV shows my vehicle “already stationary and dropping off a passenger when first observed”.

However, their own timestamped stills show:
* At 05:55:04, I am already stopped directly behind their patrol van
* The patrol van is stationary, blocking the road
* A car is parked illegally in front of the patrol van, which appears to be the reason the patrol van stopped
* There was minimal safe space to pass without fully mounting the white lines
* This contradicts their assertion that my stop was voluntary.

2. The CCTV provided is incomplete
After months of avoidance (GDPR excuses, “cannot redact video”, “stills are sufficient”), the case was passed to Elms Legal.

Elms Legal then provided only partial CCTV, starting at:
* 05:55:39
* Which is 30+ seconds after the crucial moment when the patrol van initially stopped

This missing segment is the core of the entire dispute. I have asked for:
* The full, unedited footage
* Footage showing the patrol van stopping
* How long it remained stationary
* When it moved again
* Any terminal-side camera footage

A GDPR waiver from the only other person visible was already provided.

3. Conflicting statements from VCS about evidence
VCS repeatedly stated that the CCTV “does not support” my account. But:
* They refused to release the footage
* Their own stills actually support my account
* Elms Legal’s partial footage does not contradict me
* DSAR excuses have shifted several times (GDPR → redaction → “no software” → “stills are enough”)

This pattern raises concerns about whether the withheld footage undermines VCS’s position.

4. Land status / jurisdiction
VCS assert the area is “private land”. However, the road appears to be either:
* An adopted public highway, or
* Land governed by Bristol Airport byelaws

If either applies, enforcing a private contractual charge may be ultra vires. VCS have avoided answering this point despite repeated requests.

Procedural History
* Appeal to VCS → rejected
* Appeal to IAS → dismissed
* DSAR submitted to VCS → refused
* GDPR waiver submitted → ignored
* DSAR refused again (“no software”)
* ICO complaint filed (ongoing)
* Case passed to Elms Legal
* Partial CCTV supplied (beginning 30 seconds too late)
* Case placed on hold (initially to 30 Nov)

Update (Latest Development)
I have now received a further response from Elms Legal. They confirmed that they are “reviewing [my] CCTV request with their client” and have extended the hold on the case until 13 December 2025. This indicates the missing footage does exist and may still be retrievable. I will update this thread if and when the full footage is provided, as this remains the key piece of evidence in dispute.

What I’m Asking FTLA For:
* Assessment of the obstruction defence
* Views on whether the land is public highway / byelaws
* How courts treat “forced stop” arguments
* Whether VCS’s DSAR non-compliance affects the claim
* Advice on building a court defence if a claim is issued
* Whether similar Bristol Airport VCS cases exist
* Any procedural strategies recommended

Evidence Available to Upload (all redacted)
* PCN + NTK
* VCS still images
* My annotated stills
* Partial CCTV supplied by Elms Legal
* Correspondence with VCS
* Correspondence with Elms Legal
* DSAR emails (including GDPR waiver)
* ICO complaint
* Timeline bundle

Thanks in advance. I’m grateful for any guidance the forum can provide. And a big THANK YOU if you read this far! 🙂