Free Traffic Legal Advice

Thanks again @stamfordman, I will see what they say and then make a decision as to whether I make a formal rep if I'm denied. It really does need a test case to establish the case law (if that how it works). Have appealed to their better nature first. Have a good w/e and best wishes.

Thank you for your reply @tincombe I will start with that and was thinking I could say that during the Covid19 restrictions I was designated a key worker and as such was included in the 'Covid 19: parking concessions for health, care and volunteer workers' scheme, which Ealing Council were a part of, which ended on 31 July 2021 and during that time it is possible that I may have parked on some raised carriageway and therefore did not realise that it was an offence.

I will then let them know that I have been visiting a patient at that address every two weeks for some time as I have a very vulnerable and disabled patient, and provide some redacted evidence, and if I have time, include a letter from the patient themselves. I will do my best to get this to them by tomorrow evening at the latest. Any further help on wording would be very helpful. Best wishes.

PS Yes I was, and still am, the registered keeper on that date and going forward

Thank you. Sorry I missed this reply, I hadn't refreshed the page. If you do find anything useful I'd be very happy to use it. Really need to start thinking about starting to write the letter, bit stressed about it. Many thanks.

Hi, thank you for your responses. Apologies for delay getting back to you. I had a surprise visit yesterday and couldn't check the messages. I am amazed to see you have pictures of my actual car with a ticket on. I daren't ask how you did that! I've just had a look at what an AI said about a code 28 and it said that some cases maybe allowed in some circumstances but went on to say: "Even in these cases, a 1.5-metre pedestrian gap must be maintained on the footway, and the vehicle must not block dropped kerbs or crossings."

Do you think I could argue that there is 1.5 metre's between the nearest bollard and my car and stress the road is very wide road and therefore was not an obstruction? Should I also mention that the pavement is no longer red as it is in Google images so it's not easy to see it's a special case? You are allowed to park on speed bumps I think?

I'm not quite sure how to even start this letter to them, but it seems I was parked as exactly the same place as the @AshNaz87 post you shared, just facing the opposite direction. It looks 1.5 metres roughly from the bollard.



If I were to add the 'legitimate expectation' argument that @JohnU.K mentioned, how would I know that if I hadn't googled it? Not quite sure how to frame that.

Finally, I am a mobile podiatrist and am seeing a very elderly patient who is also being seen by a district nurse as they have specific and severe problems due to bilateral wounds. I am their private practitioner but am an important part of their urgent healthcare: An AI said I could appeal on those grounds too, namely:

AI said

Yes, podiatrists can appeal a parking ticket (Penalty Charge Notice or PCN) received during home visits, but success depends on the specific circumstances and evidence provided.
While there is no automatic exemption under Code 28 for podiatrists, councils may accept appeals based on mitigating circumstances, especially if the stop was for a legitimate medical home visit.

Key Points for Appeal:

Medical Purpose: Clearly state that the stop was for an NHS or private home visit providing essential foot care, particularly for vulnerable patients (e.g., diabetic, elderly, or immobile).
Supporting Evidence: Include documentation such as:
A letter from the patient confirming the appointment
Patient notes (with confidentiality respected)
NHS referral form or care plan
Proof of HCPC registration and professional ID
Emergency or Urgency: If applicable, highlight urgent clinical need (e.g., infected wound, risk of amputation), though this is not equivalent to a life-threatening emergency.
Appeal Process:
Informal Challenge: Submit within 14–28 days of the PCN. Many councils cancel tickets if reasonable justification is given.
Formal Representation: If the first appeal is rejected.
Independent Appeal (POPLA or London Tribunals): Final stage, free to use and often favorable to healthcare professionals with strong evidence.
Some councils have shown leniency for healthcare providers making home visits, even without formal exemptions.

Grateful for any further advice. TY

Hi, thank you for your response. The Google image shows a red tarmac raised area but it is no longer there it seems. It's very strange.