Help please - got ticket on single yellow for pulling over to read the sign!

kazprincess

Hi

Just wondered if anybody could give me some advice please?

I went through the high street a few weeks back after work at around 5pm and i pulled up on a single yellow line to read the times on the signs which explain the times and dates you are permitted to park here.
I noticed that i was an hour too early so i drove off to park else where.

I recieved a panalty charge notice from the council yesterday with pictures of me pulled over on the yellow line. The pictures clearly show my lights which are still on - but unfortutely do not show me still in the car as its at the wrong angle. But who would not be in a car where the lights are still on!! I have emailed this morning asking for more pictures and the video (it was a mobile car unit who took the pics) so i hopefully will have more evidence to show them i was still in the car.

The fine is £35 but will increase to £70 if not paid within 21 days. What do you think i should do? I have heard these horror stories of people contesting the charges but they just end up with a massive fine with no choice but to pay. I dont want to not pay it if i am in the wrong for pulling over to check the times on the sign - but i couldnt read the sign for other cars parked in the way of it and didnt want to cause myself an acident - so thought it was best to pull over and check. I was there for a matter of moments! I am also hoping that when i do get to see the video - it shows me driving off!!

Thanks

weegieblue

You have pretty strong grounds for appeal if the camera shows you in the car. I'd challenge it if it does. If you explain why you pulled over I think it'd be viewed favourably.

If it doesn't though, you might want to just take the hit - £35 is better than £70.....!

Orford

The council will almost certainly reject any appeal, (informal and formal), and you would have to take it to adjudication. It would be a gamble as to whether that appeal was allowed. A lot would depend on exactly how long you were stationary, obviously the shorter the time the better your case.

A point in your favour is that on Red Routes, the signs deliberately face the traffic, (as opposed, in yoour case, to facing the kerb), in order that vehicles do not have to stop to read the restrictions.

kazprincess

Thanks for your replies. I havent recieved the video and other pictures yet - i emailed them this morning as i have a right to view these. I am hoping there is a picture showing me still in my car. The only picture they sent me clearly shows my lights still on. I am so hoping that the car which took the pictures of me came back through the town as it would then show me not there! I must had been there for no longer than 1minute / 2minutes max.

I think i may just pay the money - as you say - £35 is better than £70! Then i will still write to them explaining why i dont think i should have been issued this parking notice. Do you think that would be wise? I really dont want a huge charge at the end of my protest!

Orford

kazprincess wrote: »

I think i may just pay the money - as you say - £35 is better than £70!
That's entirely up to you, but first I suggest you post on Pepipoo, as they are experts on PCN's
Then i will still write to them explaining why i dont think i should have been issued this parking notice. Do you think that would be wise?
other than getting a rant of your chest, it will have no effect whatsoever. Once paid, it will be deemed you accept the contravention occurred
I really dont want a huge charge at the end of my protest!

If you went to adjudication (and lost) the most you would pay is £70

kazprincess

Thanks Oford for your advice x

peter_the_piper

You can guarantee that there will be a lot more of these cases due to the financial situation. Ticket everything and most will just pay.

Tilt

Can you give the location and the code on the PCN please. I don't see how you can get a PCN for pulling up on a SYL unless you were stationary for about 10 minutes or more.

esmerobbo

peter_the_piper wrote: »

You can guarantee that there will be a lot more of these cases due to the financial situation. Ticket everything and most will just pay.

I think your right. Like Manchester stopping free parking on Sundays how many will that catch out?
Its easy money for the price of sending a ticket! What do they say 40% pay up without question?

kazprincess

Hi Tilt
The contravention code is: 02
the location is High street, Wickford, Essex

I was honestly there for 2minutes max - just enough time for me to reverse a little so i could see the sign and then i drove straight off.

atrixblue.-MFR-.

even more so ground to appeal if you have the car park ticket when you parked elsewhere mins later.