HELP! Barnet Cam PCN Beyond Belief!

Stas_y

Hi Forum,

I am seeking advice and assistance regarding a recent traffic incident involving a PCN issued by Barnet Council for an alleged contravention of code 48J - "Stopped in a restricted area outside a school, a hospital, or a fire, police, or ambulance station when prohibited" (camera enforcement).

The incident occurred when my vehicle turned right into a school entrance at a junction controlled by a camera administered by Barnet Council. Following the turn, another vehicle ahead began pulling out from on-street parking during a busy pick-up time. To ensure the safe passage of oncoming traffic, my vehicle came to a stop near the zigzags in the middle of the road. This maneuver can be clearly observed in the provided video evidence, particularly at second 10, where at least one vehicle can be seen passing by on the right side of my car. Subsequently, my vehicle continued its journey without any individuals entering or exiting the vehicle at any point.

In our initial appeal to the council, we explicitly stated our awareness of the relevant regulations prohibiting waiting and parking outside schools, as we have received PCNs in similar circumstances before. However, the council's response indicated a misunderstanding, suggesting that we were unaware of the rules, which leads me to believe our appeal may not have been thoroughly reviewed.

Under the circumstances, my wife, the driver, had no viable alternative to navigate the situation without creating a bottleneck or endangering herself or others by attempting to proceed into oncoming traffic.

Despite reaching out to our local MP for assistance, I am uncertain about the effectiveness of this approach. Therefore, I am considering appealing to the London Tribunal and would greatly appreciate any insights or suggestions you may have in making this decision. Thank you for your assistance.

Coupon-mad

Yes appeal to the Tribunal. Nothing to lose.

Stas_y

Coupon-mad said:

Yes appeal to the Tribunal. Nothing to lose.

Thanks a lot. Might do that. I just noticed that:

the response from the Council is clear... they never read my original appeal:

1. Barnet council has mistakenly responded to us: concerning an alleged "correspondence received on the 12th of March 2024" (as stated in the second paragraph of their response). However, my original appeal was submitted on the 9th of February 2024. It seems I may have followed up with them on the 12th of March, yet they fail to acknowledge the original appeal made in February and I am not sure why.


2. Furthermore, they say: "Whilst it is regrettable that you were unfamiliar or unaware of the rules that were in force. However, this is not sufficient grounds to cancel the PCN. It is still up to drivers to be aware of signs and road markings and obey them." This statement contradicts our explicit declaration in our appeal letter that we are fully cognizant of the laws and regulations. It appears evident that the officer has not thoroughly reviewed the original appeal.

Despite my efforts to engage with the relevant parking team, they have shown a lack of concern and advised me to proceed with the established procedures, including the London tribunal.

I shall wait for the response from the MP and any reaction on my formal complaint. 

How long more are we going to be bullied by the local Council who we feed with our own taxes?!

Fruitcake

It might be worth posting this over on the Free Traffic Legal Advice forum at Free Traffic Legal Advice - Index (ftla.uk)