Received a penalty charge notice for being on a street by mistake for 2 minutes

jake_jones99

While visiting Oxford I mistakenly entered for 2 minutes a pedestrian area that's also a zero emission zone. That area was right ahead from the main road, which turned right from that spot. I realised last moment, but didn't want to break suddenly, so I got in and u-turned on the first opportunity, and got out the same way. Now they're fining me for not paying the zero emission zone charge for those 2 minutes of being there by mistake. I spoke over the phone and the woman said it's not considered a valid excuse. What does everyone think, do I stand a chance for an appeal? It seems I am penalised excessively for a small error.

jake_jones99

Clarifying details are below. The signs are clear, but not if it's obstructed by traffic. And yes, maybe I could have made a sharper last minute choice, but is that worth being fined £30?

onashoestring

On approach to the street were there adequate signs warning that you were about to enter a ZEZ ? 

(You maybe able to cheek on Google street view )

If there are no or inadequate signs warning that you were about to enter the ZAZ you may have a valid appeal against the charge. 

jake_jones99

onashoestring said:

On approach to the street were there adequate signs warning that you were about to enter a ZEZ ? 

(You maybe able to cheek on Google street view )

If there are no or inadequate signs warning that you were about to enter the ZAZ you may have a valid appeal against the charge. 

I updated the initial post with another one, it has photos.

jake_jones99

onashoestring said:

On approach to the street were there adequate signs warning that you were about to enter a ZEZ ? 

(You maybe able to cheek on Google street view )

If there are no or inadequate signs warning that you were about to enter the ZAZ you may have a valid appeal against the charge. 

Also, to answer, I don't think the signs were adequate on approach, they are right before the entrance. So is that considered adequate?

jake_jones99

Speaking of approach, to someone who doesn't know the area, is it plainly obvious which one is the main road ahead? Maybe it's just in my mind, so please anyone contradict me if I'm wrong, but it requires some thinking to figure out where the main road goes. Now imagine this during high traffic with buses and trucks obstructing the view.

KeithP

Your latest image does show the 'main' road turning slightly right, doesn't it?

I know you won't have seen this view while driving, but looking from above it is clear that when travelling up New Road, the main flow is into Castle Street...



I would respectfully suggest that £30 may be worth paying before it goes up.

ab2000

jake_jones99 said:

Speaking of approach, to someone who doesn't know the area, is it plainly obvious which one is the main road ahead? Maybe it's just in my mind, so please anyone contradict me if I'm wrong, but it requires some thinking to figure out where the main road goes. Now imagine this during high traffic with buses and trucks obstructing the view.

Playing devils advocate here, its could be argued that its pretty clear which is the main carriage-way.

The kerb bends to the right, there is no filter lane for a left turn, no give way road markings if there was a junction to the right, a pedestrian crossing (Zebra?) which I don't think you normally get before a junction unless its traffic light controlled.  To me there are loads of indicators as to what is the main road, and what is the side one.

As to the signs I presume they have to be where the zone starts so there is no abiguity.

Me personally, for the sake of £30 I would just pay it and chalk it up to experience as I had to with a bus lane under the bull ring. 

KeithP

ab2000 said:

jake_jones99 said:

Speaking of approach, to someone who doesn't know the area, is it plainly obvious which one is the main road ahead? Maybe it's just in my mind, so please anyone contradict me if I'm wrong, but it requires some thinking to figure out where the main road goes. Now imagine this during high traffic with buses and trucks obstructing the view.

...a pedestrian crossing (Zebra?) which I don't think you normally get before a junction unless its traffic light controlled. 

And a pedestrian crossing at an angle like that - perpendicular to the road it crosses.

ab2000

KeithP said:

ab2000 said:

jake_jones99 said:

Speaking of approach, to someone who doesn't know the area, is it plainly obvious which one is the main road ahead? Maybe it's just in my mind, so please anyone contradict me if I'm wrong, but it requires some thinking to figure out where the main road goes. Now imagine this during high traffic with buses and trucks obstructing the view.

...a pedestrian crossing (Zebra?) which I don't think you normally get before a junction unless its traffic light controlled. 

And a pedestrian crossing at an angle like that - perpendicular to the road it crosses.

Good point.

onashoestring

Google street view shows that there are signs at the junction of New Road and Worcester street saying ZEZ 250 yards ahead - charges apply . There is another sign that says Traffic restriction ahead .
The images also show that they are visible even when bus is passing.