Fined for entering a timed pedestrian zone outside a school, during Easter holidays

Allotment64

Hi MSE,

I received a fine for entering a restricted zone, (restricted to pedestrians and cyclists only between 15.00 & 15.45, I entered at 15.15), which is basically there to safeguard a school at home time so the kids are safe.

The issue I have is that it was half term so no school, I genuinely didn't see the restriction, (nothing on the road, just poles which were obstructed partially by trees), and it's brand new since I last visited the area.

It's a council fine of £80, and I have no issue paying as I was quite obviously in the wrong, but £80 for a genuine mistake during half term?

Do I have any chance of appealing this?

Many Thanks

Gr1pr

Because its a council matter,  please read my reply in the following thread 

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6604628/newly-notice-of-enforcement#latest

la531983

Half term was months ago in February. Do you mean the Easter holidays just gone?

HampshireH

la531983 said:

Half term was months ago in February. Do you mean the Easter holidays just gone?

They may only have just received it. Does it matter which school break it was? 

la531983

HampshireH said:

la531983 said:

Half term was months ago in February. Do you mean the Easter holidays just gone?

They may only have just received it. Does it matter which school break it was? 

Probably not, just curious. I suspect any signage would say "term time" or would say nothing at all, suggesting it applies every weekday.

Merton for example dont apply it during term time so maybe be interesting to know which LA have issued it

School streets (school safety zones) | Merton Council

fisherjim

If it is restricted to pedestrians and cyclists only between 15.00 & 15.45 with no other stipulation you can't just apply your own interpretation you won't get anywhere with that IMHO.

The only avenue to look at is a technicality that you will get advice on here https://www.ftla.uk/

Car1980

"I genuinely didn't see the restriction, (nothing on the road, just poles which were obstructed partially by trees)"

This is your only possible appeal point, and the magic words "the onus is on the council to make any restrictions clear". 

Allotment64

la531983 said:

Half term was months ago in February. Do you mean the Easter holidays just gone?

Yes during Easter

Allotment64

fisherjim said:

If it is restricted to pedestrians and cyclists only between 15.00 & 15.45 with no other stipulation you can't just apply your own interpretation you won't get anywhere with that IMHO.

The only avenue to look at is a technicality that you will get advice on here https://www.ftla.uk/

Yeah that's fair enough, I'll take a look at the link, thanks