Got a parking ticket while my car was inches thick in snow - is it legal?

justice4motorists

I am sure that the local authority knows that it is expected to use its discretion when making a decision whether to cancel a ticket or not. Though some seem to think they have not choice, until it is pointed out to them.

If your vehicle was covered in snow, I assume that the signs and lines were also covered in snow. So how would you know what restrictions applied ? It is exceptional circumstances and they should accept that and an adjudicator would also accept that the signs and lines were not visibile.

As the parking restriction is mainly to discourage parking by commuters, providing proof that you are a resident and that due to illness (not unheard of when its cold and snow or icey) you were unable to move your vehicle they should allow it. As long as it does not appear to be a continual thing that is done.

You are right, a blue badge may not be visible if the car is covered in snow. However, in those cases a badge holder may simply produce their badge and the ticket should be cancelled.

I had to argue the case for my dad, who had parked in a similar way to you when he had to visit someone in hospital. The council took a lot of persuading, but when we put all of the mitigating circumstances and I made it clear that I was sure an adjudicator would agree with my reasons, they decided they would excercise discretion and cancel the PCN.

regards
Tony

max2009

If you live there they will argue you should know what restrictions apply.

Alx*27

How deep was the snow? Had the road been gritted?

The adjudicator might well find in your favour if you were genuinely unable to move your car.

shuel3000

If you have got a ticket when your car windscreen was covered in snow and the road markings is impossible to see because the snow covered it then you can appeal against it as it is illegal to issue a ticket where the notice is not clear (this includes snow) you should refuse to make a payment and tell the authorities that giving you a ticket in this unforseen circumstance is illegal and unethical.

taffy056

shuel the thread is from 3 years ago but thanks for your opinion on it. The advice in this situation would be to try https://www.pepipoo.com for any council penalty charge notice.

NeverInDebt

Poster in post 25 has been accused of spam last time, congrats though shuel3000 on bumping up a 3 year old thread I suspect Op has resolved this now

give_them_FA

Perhaps it's snowed where Shuel is so he thinks the advice is currently useful ? It seems to be his first and only post.