Rivercourt Road, Hammersmith - change of use & PCN's

Truth_serum · 18 June at 10:57AM

I recently rather surprisingly received a PCN for using Rivercourt Rd. Having previously worked in Hammersmith and being familiar with the area, I know that this road has been increasingly used as a result of the changes the council implemented on King Street.

However, not living in the area I was unaware of the recent changes that have been implemented. Not only that, I felt that the changes that had been implemented were not adequately signposted meaning motorists are being unfairly penalized. While my initial appeal was dismissed, I paid the PCN and sent the matter to an independent adjudicator. I am happy to say that Hammersmith & Fulham Borough Council quickly indicated that they did not intend to contest the matter and have subsequently cancelled the PCN.

For anyone who has received a PCN prior to 31st May 2025 (even if you have already paid) I suggest you appeal to H&FBC directly. Then if unsuccessful, appeal to the independent adjudicator. The grounds for the appeal are as follows:

Until 31st May 2025 the H&FBC website stated that a turning area was being implemented for cars to rejoin the A4 westbound carriageway (deliberately & willfully misleading the public). This can be contested under Local Government Transparency Code 2015 which states that information published by Local Authorities should be as accurate as possible at first publication. (This information has been changed recently as a result of my challenge)

Currently, H&FBC have implemented yellow temporary signs with "Local Access Only" this wording is not listed as an accepted legend for a variable message signs under The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 Part 1. Local Access Only is also not listed in the Highway Code, meaning the sign is being incorrectly used potentially confusing drivers with its intent.

The plan (TMO2037) submitted by H&FBC for implementing the changes includes a permanent sign on the West bound A4 Carriageway, instead of a temporary sign. The permanent sign has not yet been installed and therefore means that the council has failed to enact all elements of the proposed changes. This makes the PCN unenforceable as it is not compliant with wording in section 4.5.1 of the Traffic Signs Manual. Which states “it is essential that signs can be read and understood by road users in good time for subsequent actions to be carried out safely.” This is obviously not the case and the “70 yards ahead” notification does not comply with LTN 1/94 as it does not give sufficient notice to drivers of the changes and prohibition.

In summary, many motorists like myself have entered into Rivercourt Rd and been given a PCN. I have shown that this information is sufficient for you to appeal and even get your money back if you have already paid.