Contravention 12 - parked in a residents parking zone... No nearby signage?

Maestro198

Good morning,

I've searched through the forum but haven't been able to find any posts relating to a similar issue.

I recently received a parking ticket from Lancashire County Council. The stated contravention is Code 12 – Parked in a residents' parking zone without clearly displaying a valid permit.

My concern is that where I parked—at the end of Barbon Street, Burnley— there were no signs whatsoever indicating that it is a permit-only area. Additionally, there are no bay markings or painted restrictions on the road surface. Based on a quick Google Maps check and on-site observation, the nearest sign indicating a permit zone is approximately 75 metres away. The signs only appear to be located at the entrances to each street branching off the main road (Casterton avenue), and not within the streets themselves.

The area where I parked appears more like an open, unmarked car park than a restricted residential zone. I’ve attached a photo with the location in question outlined in red, along with a screenshot showing the distance to the nearest sign, measured on Google Maps.

I initially submitted an informal challenge to LCC, which was rejected the following morning. I'm now awaiting the Notice to Owner and intend to make a formal representation once it arrives.

I’d really appreciate any feedback, particularly regarding the absence of signage and whether this could form the basis of a valid appeal.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Car1980

Signs at the entrance to each street is the norm. I can't see any streets where you won't have passed a sign. But see if you can find a "leak".

fisherjim

Looking at Google Streetview there are signs at each entrance to this area except from Briercliffe Road but that is blocked off with concrete posts, so I think you are on a sticky wicket.

You would have to take this to FTLA they are the experts on council PCN's:

 https://www.ftla.uk/

Maestro198

Car1980 said:

Signs at the entrance to each street is the norm. I can't see any streets where you won't have passed a sign. But see if you can find a "leak".

That's correct Car1980, I checked both parallel streets and there are literally no further signs. The only ones were on the entrance to Killington St and Mansergh st, both at the Casterton ave end, which is a fair distance. 

The other thing I forgot to add to the original post, there was a delay of exactly 15 minutes between the CEO taking the photograph of the vehicle with said parking ticket on it, and them photographing the permit zone signage. To me, that also speaks volumes.

Coupon-mad

But won't win, and they only need signs at the entrance to zones. Ask on FTLA as the real experts on council PCNs hang out there.

Maestro198

Coupon-mad said:

But won't win, and they only need signs at the entrance to zones. Ask on FTLA as the real experts on council PCNs hang out there.

Thanks coupon-mad. I've just created an account on there and reposted.

Maestro198

One further question - I read somewhere that there should be signs every 15 metres (approx 3 car lengths). Does this apply in this scenario?

fisherjim

Not if it's classed as a zone you need to ask on FTLA