Thread: Double Yellow Line: Camera Operator PCN (City of Westminster)

Hi all,

Two weeks ago I stopped my car outside my building (block of flats, double yellow line) to collect my roommate and load up with bags etc as we were heading off for the weekend. I doubt I was stopped there for more than 3-4 minutes, and had my hazard lights on and was in the car (with the engine running) at all times, in case I was asked to move.

However, to my surprise, I get a nice letter from the council with a pcn, and a photo clearly showing my hazard lights on (lucky snap I guess), and my door open with my friend getting in the car!

I know there's no parking allowed on double yellow lines, but surely there's enough leeway to allow people to get in and out of cars without fancy acrobatics? I'm relatively new to driving in London (and the UK), so I'm not sure what my rights are in regards to this.

The PCN doesn't state a from time or to time, and all the photos that are conveniently availably online were taken within the span of 1 minute, tops.

I don't mind paying the £60 if I was in the wrong, and if indeed I wasn't supposed to even stop there I'll need to figure out another way of picking people up in the future!

Any suggestions would be appreciated.


Thanks,
-Alex

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Forget the no parking.

What is the ticket for. If it is for parking then u=you can legitimately claim that you were loading or picking up.

If it is for loading, then you need to check that there are no loading restrictions; if there is none then you should be home and dry.

No stopping (ie setting down and picking up) is restricted on a clearway or red route or road-marked bus stop. Other than that, AFAIK, it is allowed.

Write informally at this stage, to the Council and explain that you wer loading/picking up. Stress that you were not parked.

If they don't roll over, view the CCTV tape to see what they are using for evidence and then appeal formally when you get the NtO. The council is supposed to use discretion and if you have to go as far as the adjudicator for this, then he/she may well take a dim view of the Council's failure to exercise such discretion.

Originally Posted by patdavies

What is the ticket for. If it is for parking then u=you can legitimately claim that you were loading or picking up.

Ticket is most definitely for parking (Code 01, "Parked in a Restricted Street during prescribed hours").

Originally Posted by patdavies

Write informally at this stage, to the Council and explain that you wer loading/picking up. Stress that you were not parked.

I take it doing this through the City of Westminster's website is considered "informal"?

Thanks again,

-Alex

If you were actually loading then it will be clear on the CCTV as Pat stated what you get is just a 'snap shot' taken from a video tape. Make representations asap stating that you where loading bulky items from an adjacent property.

Originally Posted by green_and_mean

If you were actually loading then it will be clear on the CCTV as Pat stated what you get is just a 'snap shot' taken from a video tape. Make representations asap stating that you where loading bulky items from an adjacent property.

Also to cause the la some hassle

Ask that they supply you with a hard copy of the cctv footage. They must keep copies AND they must keep track of the contravention.

Ask for the traffic order for that area aswel

make em work for their money.

FYI, this pcn has been cancelled.

Thanks for all your help!

-Alex