missing signage

happybradstick

In December, I was given a ticket for parking in a disabled space (Contravention 40). Just to be clear, I think taking disabled space is reprehensible. The issue here was that I didn't realise it was a space because the signage was so bad.

The international disabled symbol was worn away, as was the lettering and the box markings. The sign was bent away, so that it couldn't be seen. I used the council's (Lambeth's) informal appeals process making this points and including references and photos. Today I received a letter (almost two months later) saying my appeal was refused and the "sign was not a fault. The road markings were faded but enforceable".

I now have the option to this to formal appeal but will almost certainly lose my discount and pay £80 rather than £160 if I lose or take it on to tribunal and lose.

So the question is it worth the risk challenging?

I have subsequently taken my own photos of the parking spot when it was empty to show the issues (note the turned away sign and the markings).

Worth pointing out that, ignoring my minor woes, the lack of appropriate signage is deeply unhelpful to any disabled drivers.

Nellymoser

Nice photos! You should seek advice over on the Free Traffic Legal Advice forum they specialise in Penalty Notices issued by councils and police. This forum specialise in Parking Charge Notices from unregulated private parking companies.

Good luck

https://www.ftla.uk/civil-penalty-charge-notices-(councils-tfl-and-so-on)/

Gr1pr

Seems To be a council matter, so I suggest that you post your query over on the FTLA parking forum website after reading their posting requirements first, that is where you should get some guidance

Altior

Do you have a photo from the driver's perspective?

It's not clear to me, if it was accidental, why you wouldn't have looked at the sign?

Woodstok2000

This forum is more for private parking issues - as this is council, try FTLA.uk, there are plenty of experts there who'll be able to help.

born_again

Interesting that space appears to be part over a dropped kerb 🤷‍♀️

Altior

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81881251#Comment_81881251

Indeed, too narrow for a car. Wheelchair access perhaps?

happybradstick

Thanks everyone - that's very helpful. I will try FTLA - and sorry to bother you. By the way, it was completely accidental. The whole road has boxes and signs because parking is restricted except on weekends. So without the other signage there would be no need to check. From the end of the street I approached, as can be seen from the pics, the sign is twisted away at an angle, so clearly not visible from a driver's height.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81881222#Comment_81881222

Altior

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81881296#Comment_81881296

I'm not trying to catch you out, but I don't understand (as a driver).

You don't disembark from the boot (where the camera is), it looks like where the driver's door would have been, the sign would be in view, ie from the off side front. But as I say, it can't be seen definitively from the photos as they aren't taken from the driver's perspective (assuming RHD vehicle).

Are you saying you got out of the car, on an unfamiliar road, and didn't look at the sign on the big pole adjacent to the parking space?

Coupon-mad

Doesn't matter. The sign is not enough. The OP will win this case with that evidence.

Altior

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81881607#Comment_81881607

For sure. The OP stated that they think taking a disabled space is reprehensible. I'm genuinely trying to figure out how someone could practically park in that space without wanting to look at the sign on the adjacent large pole to ensure they had permission (whichever angle it was facing). It's evidently a restricted space of some description.

I guess the OP brought into the thread the rights/wrongs/intention/moral implication of parking there, not just the technical aspect of if they could away with the contravention.