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Civil penalty charge notices (Councils, TFL and so on) / Re: Cycle Lane - PCN - BRENT
« on: February 01, 2026, 10:42:10 pm »
Dear Sir or Madam,
I make formal representations against Penalty Charge Notice [], issued on 20/01/2026 at 18:25 for contravention code 49J (parked wholly or partly on a cycle track).
Factual background
The location is subject to a cycle lane restriction which operates until 6:30 pm. The alleged contravention occurred at 18:25, five minutes prior to the end of the restriction. The vehicle was stopped only briefly.
At the time, I was travelling with my wife and our 18-month-old baby. My wife suffers from a long-term autoimmune illness and became suddenly unwell and dizzy. In addition, our baby was distressed and crying. Given the immediate welfare and safety concerns, I stopped the vehicle momentarily in order to address the situation. The stop was not for convenience, and the vehicle was not left for any longer than was strictly necessary.
Legal grounds and discretion
I acknowledge the importance of cycle lane enforcement. However, I respectfully submit that this case falls squarely within the circumstances where discretion should be exercised.
Under section 87 of the Traffic Management Act 2004, enforcement authorities are required to have regard to the Secretary of State’s Statutory Guidance to Local Authorities on Civil Enforcement of Parking Contraventions.
Paragraph 85 of that guidance states:
“Enforcement authorities have a duty to act fairly and proportionately and are encouraged to exercise discretion sensibly and reasonably, with due regard to the public interest.”
Paragraph 86 further provides:
“Authorities should consider mitigating circumstances and should be prepared to exercise discretion where appropriate, even where a contravention has technically occurred.”
This representation is made on that basis. The vehicle was stopped due to an unforeseen medical and childcare situation, very close to the end of the restriction period, and without any intention to contravene parking controls.
Proportionality
I also respectfully draw attention to the principle of proportionality, which underpins civil enforcement. Given:
- the extremely short time remaining before the restriction ended,
- the brief duration of the stop,
- the genuine medical and welfare circumstances involved,
the issue of a penalty charge in these circumstances appears disproportionate to the purpose of the restriction.
Conclusion
In light of the above, I respectfully request that the authority exercise its discretion and cancel the Penalty Charge Notice.
I confirm that I understand and respect parking and traffic restrictions, and this incident was wholly exceptional.
I look forward to your considered response.
I make formal representations against Penalty Charge Notice [], issued on 20/01/2026 at 18:25 for contravention code 49J (parked wholly or partly on a cycle track).
Factual background
The location is subject to a cycle lane restriction which operates until 6:30 pm. The alleged contravention occurred at 18:25, five minutes prior to the end of the restriction. The vehicle was stopped only briefly.
At the time, I was travelling with my wife and our 18-month-old baby. My wife suffers from a long-term autoimmune illness and became suddenly unwell and dizzy. In addition, our baby was distressed and crying. Given the immediate welfare and safety concerns, I stopped the vehicle momentarily in order to address the situation. The stop was not for convenience, and the vehicle was not left for any longer than was strictly necessary.
Legal grounds and discretion
I acknowledge the importance of cycle lane enforcement. However, I respectfully submit that this case falls squarely within the circumstances where discretion should be exercised.
Under section 87 of the Traffic Management Act 2004, enforcement authorities are required to have regard to the Secretary of State’s Statutory Guidance to Local Authorities on Civil Enforcement of Parking Contraventions.
Paragraph 85 of that guidance states:
“Enforcement authorities have a duty to act fairly and proportionately and are encouraged to exercise discretion sensibly and reasonably, with due regard to the public interest.”
Paragraph 86 further provides:
“Authorities should consider mitigating circumstances and should be prepared to exercise discretion where appropriate, even where a contravention has technically occurred.”
This representation is made on that basis. The vehicle was stopped due to an unforeseen medical and childcare situation, very close to the end of the restriction period, and without any intention to contravene parking controls.
Proportionality
I also respectfully draw attention to the principle of proportionality, which underpins civil enforcement. Given:
- the extremely short time remaining before the restriction ended,
- the brief duration of the stop,
- the genuine medical and welfare circumstances involved,
the issue of a penalty charge in these circumstances appears disproportionate to the purpose of the restriction.
Conclusion
In light of the above, I respectfully request that the authority exercise its discretion and cancel the Penalty Charge Notice.
I confirm that I understand and respect parking and traffic restrictions, and this incident was wholly exceptional.
I look forward to your considered response.