"Illegal right turn" ticket but no CCTV or photos

IgWannA

I received a letter in the post alleging I made an illegal right turn at an intersection. I know the intersection well as I pass it on my daily commute, and I'm 100% sure I didn't make a right turn here.

I appealed the fine stating that I was not provided with any CCTV or photographic evidence. I received a letter back from them rejecting the appeal as follows:

"The PCN was issued because a police officer has signed a witness statement confirming that the above vehicle was observed to be committing the contravention of failing to comply with a sign indicating a prohibited right turn.

For your information, it is stated on the PCN that the alleged contravention MAY be supported by video evidence. In cases where the evidence has been supplied by a police officer this is not possible.

Having considered your challenge, I am not prepared to cancel the PCN on this occasion unfortunately."

Is this correct? How could they prove to an adjudicator that I committed the offence? Do they just take the word of the officer? What is there to stop police writing up dozens of made-up contraventions with only a written witness statement?

I have received bus lane fines in the past, accompanied by CCTV evidence, which is fair enough and I paid up, but I had no idea police could issue tickets like this. It feels wrong to admit to a contravention that I myself am certain I didn't commit. Are they just trying their luck in this instance and hoping I get scared off and pay the discounted fine within 21 days?

If someone has any experience with similar cases please advise.

Thanks!

HappyMJ

Well it's currently an offer of a penalty...the letters PCN mean penalty charge notice and it's not a fine. You can choose to decline the offer and let them take the matter to court and let a judge decide.

I would....

IgWannA

I really don't want to have to go to court over a PCN. Could that actually happen? I thought they were just sent to an adjudicator and it's all settled out of court.

Coupon-mad

''I received a letter back from them''

Who is they/them?

Stroma

You sure its not a Fixed Penalty Notice?

IgWannA

Stroma wrote: »

You sure its not a Fixed Penalty Notice?

Yup, it says it's a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)

It's from the City of London, Department of the Built Environment.

Stroma

I would post on https://www.pepipoo.com for this, they are the experts in this field

Tilt

Not sure PCN's are dealt with in court. AFAIK there is an appeal process which must be shown on the PCN itself. I you wish to challenge, you wait for the NTO (notice to the owner) to which you indicate you wish to contest, which then should end up in front of PATAS.

Sir_Roger_deLodger

IgWannA wrote: »

"The PCN was issued because a police officer has signed a witness statement confirming that the above vehicle was observed to be committing the contravention of failing to comply with a sign indicating a prohibited right turn.

How come Plod is enforcing on behalf of the council? Is this just a London thing?

peter_the_piper

Off duty copper ringing in an "offence"?

Sir_Roger_deLodger

peter_the_piper wrote: »

Off duty copper ringing in an "offence"?

Can a council issue a PCN in those circumstances? One for Pepipoo I think.