Can I appeal?

Rootsy2006 · 28 October 2009 at 12:00PM

Hi Guys,

I recently recieved a PCN when parked in a side street in London. The signs stated that is was residents parking only between 11.30-12.30 during the day. As I went to move the vehicle to a pay and display area for an hour I saw a traffic warden. She told me that it was too late and she had already entered my details into her hand held computer and filled in a another notepad with my details so I'd got a ticket. At this point I looked at my watch and saw it was 11.31am. I didn't know any better so kind of accepted it. At this point I was still going to move off but she said that as she'd already filled in the details I may as well stay where I was instead of moving it back in an hours time (as if she was doing me a favour)! At this point I was pi**ed off so went back into finish my work. When I came back out I read the ticket and it said that the vehicle had been watched between 11.31 and 11.36. It was only there until 11.36 because she said I was already going to get fined. I know its my word against hers but I find this very sneeky especially as she already had everything filled out. She definitely didn't watch the car for 5 mins before issuing it.
Is it worth progressing?

DaveF327 · 28 October 2009 at 5:22PM

That's disgraceful. You clearly showed your intention of complying with the regulations by attempting to move your car at 11.30. Enforcement officers are there to keep the streets clear of congestion and problems, so should have happily allowed you to get into your car and drive away at 11.31. Aside from the fact she decided she was going to arbitrarily issue a ticket based on the 1 minute (becoming longer as she delays you) rather than give you a chance to prevent a contravention, she even encouraged you to contravene the regulations further!

I don't know if this alone is grounds for invalidating the PCN, but you should at least report her to her superiors for aiding and abetting a contravention of the very regulations she's meant to be policing.

Does this sound like they're working to targets or what? Would any ex-enforcement officers (or partners of officers) care to comment on this? I used to have the greatest respect for traffic wardens who (back when they were police wardens) used to do their job with integrity and discretion, but the more I read these boards, the more I feel that moral values have declined since enforcers have worked for private companies.

king100 · 28 October 2009 at 5:30PM

Simple answer is yes. Hard to prove.

Post the ticket both back and front and any photos you have. There could be a valis reason for it to be cancelled.