Free Traffic Legal Advice

Hello all,

As per the title, on 22nd of June CEO adhered to initial 5 minutes observation before issuing the PCN. Parking payment for max allowable time was issued a minute after the PCN.

I made an initial informal challenge on the same day thinking that the grace period was 10 minutes instead of 5 minutes. That was rejected on the 2nd of July, but I have only come to find out today after calling them as I did not receive any response, although on the gov.uk website it stated that they have responded.

Now I'm contemplating whether to appeal the rejection. I understand that it was an infraction by the letter of the law, even though it was just a minute late, and it may only be approved on a goodwill basis, mitigating circumstances, or compelling reasons, with the reason of needing to tend to our newborn baby at the time. Should I take the chance and appeal or just pay the fine at the discount rate?

Also what happens to the payment made for parking if we do pay the fine?