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       #Post#: 117666--------------------------------------------------
       RYE LANE JUNCTION HANOVER PARK 29/04/26
   DIR By: kragnar
       Date: May 3, 2026, 2:51 pm
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       Hi all,
       I’m looking for some advice regarding a PCN I’ve received for
       driving through the Rye Lane / Hanover Park junction.
       I was working at the time and relying on Uber navigation, which
       in hindsight was not suitable for this area. As I approached the
       junction at around 20mph, I did see a sign but misinterpreted it
       in the moment. I believed it indicated a time-based restriction
       (such as no entry during certain hours), and since it was
       exactly 10pm, I assumed I was outside the restricted period and
       proceeded.
       I accept that this was my mistake; however, the conditions made
       it more difficult to properly interpret the signage. It was dark
       at the time, and although the sign is illuminated, it was not
       immediately clear enough to process correctly while driving. I
       have attached a JPEG of the first sign I saw.
       Upon reviewing the location afterwards on Google Maps, I noticed
       there is an additional sign near the bus stop stating “No left
       turn for motor vehicles except for access,” which I did not see
       on the night. I am unsure whether the “except for access”
       element is relevant in my case, as I was entering the road
       specifically to pick up a passenger.
       Regarding the final sign positioned near the traffic lights, I
       did notice it, but due to its placement and angle, I was unable
       to properly register its meaning in time to safely stop or
       change direction. By the time it became apparent, I had
       effectively committed to the route, and there was no clear
       opportunity to exit or turn around once at the traffic lights.
       After entering and reaching the pickup point, I immediately felt
       something was off — there were no regular vehicles around, only
       buses, and the layout felt unusual given how I had just come out
       of normal traffic. I hesitated but assumed I had misunderstood
       the situation and waited for the passenger.
       Shortly after, a passer-by kindly approached me and warned that
       it was a bus-only route and that I would likely receive a
       ticket.
       Since then, I’ve done some research and found that a significant
       number of drivers seem to have been caught out at this exact
       location, many of whom have shared similar experiences here and
       elsewhere. It appears to be a recurring issue rather than an
       isolated mistake. I have browsed this forum and found instances
       of others asking for help for the same location. So far from
       what i have found on the forum, the cancel only cancelled it
       once.
       From what I’ve seen so far:
       * Most people end up paying the PCN
       * Some have taken it to the London Tribunal
       * I’ve only come across a couple of cases where the council
       cancelled the ticket
       What I’m struggling to understand is whether there is any
       consistent or successful argument for appeal in cases like this
       — particularly where:
       * The signage may be misread in real-time driving conditions
       * Navigation apps route drivers directly into the restriction
       * There is a clear pattern of repeated confusion among drivers
       I fully accept I drove through the restriction, but I’m trying
       to determine whether it’s worth appealing based on signage
       clarity and the volume of similar cases.
       Has anyone here successfully challenged a PCN at this specific
       junction, or does anyone have insight into whether it’s
       realistically worth taking this further?
       Appreciate any guidance.
       Photos and Video:
  HTML https://imgpile.com/p/H4WF9mi
       Google Maps:
  HTML https://maps.app.goo.gl/hzxszKcbLjFGu58A8
       
       Note: On the google maps, please make sure to set the date as
       the latest 2022 as before then sign is not there. It is the road
       turning left toward Baba LTD and toward KFC.
       #Post#: 117674--------------------------------------------------
       Re: RYE LANE JUNCTION HANOVER PARK 29/04/26
   DIR By: fraser.mitchell
       Date: May 3, 2026, 3:47 pm
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       As far as I know, "taxis" on the sign applies only to black cabs
       ("Hackney Cabs").
       The sign does not say "Except for access", but only the Traffic
       Order can tell you if access is allowed.
       #Post#: 117682--------------------------------------------------
       Re: RYE LANE JUNCTION HANOVER PARK 29/04/26
   DIR By: Hippocrates
       Date: May 3, 2026, 4:08 pm
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       They cannot serve a charge certificate 28 days from the date of
       the notice.
       #Post#: 117687--------------------------------------------------
       Re: RYE LANE JUNCTION HANOVER PARK 29/04/26
   DIR By: kragnar
       Date: May 3, 2026, 6:13 pm
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       [member=12]Incandescent[/member]: Sorry, I thought I had
       uploaded everything. My mistake. after your comment, I noticed
       that I hadn't added the "Except for access" signs JPEG. I have
       since corrected this and have now added it to the rest of the
       images.
       [member=24]Hippocrates[/member]: Can you expand on what you
       mean?
       "They cannot serve a charge certificate 28 days from the date of
       the notice." are you advising me to use that as a defence for
       the appeal and beyond or is that just a statement?
       Please have patience with me as I don't want to misunderstand
       anything and as such will ask questions on anything that I don't
       understand.
       Much appreciated.
       #Post#: 117708--------------------------------------------------
       Re: RYE LANE JUNCTION HANOVER PARK 29/04/26
   DIR By: fraser.mitchell
       Date: May 4, 2026, 6:20 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       The sign with "except for access" is on the 2021 GSV view, and
       has been replaced with the current sign where those words do not
       appear. However, the Traffic Order may still have access
       allowed, so this needs checking. And it's for the left turn only
       is my interpretation.
       Best if you submit reps stating you are a private hire vehicle
       picking up a person on the street, so needed access. YSay that
       you are reasonably certain such access is allowed.
       #Post#: 117759--------------------------------------------------
       Re: RYE LANE JUNCTION HANOVER PARK 29/04/26
   DIR By: kragnar
       Date: May 4, 2026, 3:32 pm
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       [member=12]Incandescent[/member]: They do not appear to accept
       that I was legitimately picking up a passenger as a private hire
       driver as sufficient grounds to cancel the PCN.
       I have come across previous cases on this forum where private
       hire drivers received tickets for picking up passengers on the
       same road, and those appeals were consistently rejected. Based
       on this, it seems unlikely that the PCN will be cancelled on
       that basis alone.
       Thank you for the advice. I will include it if I am unable to
       identify a stronger ground for challenging the PCN when I submit
       the appeal.
       #Post#: 117770--------------------------------------------------
       Re: RYE LANE JUNCTION HANOVER PARK 29/04/26
   DIR By: fraser.mitchell
       Date: May 4, 2026, 5:15 pm
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       Are you prepared to take them to London Tribunals ? You have
       that right in law, but have to risk the full PCN penalty. There
       are no additional costs, and hearings are by phone or video.
       #Post#: 118295--------------------------------------------------
       Re: RYE LANE JUNCTION HANOVER PARK 29/04/26
   DIR By: kragnar
       Date: May 10, 2026, 8:25 pm
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       Yes, if there is a legitimate basis to challenge the PCN and a
       reasonable prospect of success, I would be prepared to take it
       to London Tribunals.
       Naturally, nobody wants to pay a penalty they feel has been
       unfairly issued or disproportionate to the circumstances.
       #Post#: 118297--------------------------------------------------
       Re: RYE LANE JUNCTION HANOVER PARK 29/04/26
   DIR By: SunSunSuu
       Date: May 10, 2026, 10:07 pm
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       Hey! Hippocrates is right they cannot serve a charge certificate
       28 days from the date of the notice. By law, you have 28 days
       from the Date of Service (when it arrives) to challenge it. By
       saying they can increase the charge 28 days from the Date of
       Notice, they are effectively threatening to fine you more before
       your legal window to challenge has actually expired. You can
       cancel it under ground of procedural impropriety. You have to
       read into the law for London Local Authorities and Transport for
       London Act 2003. In essence look below:
       This is your right to make representation 28 days on serving.
  HTML https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukla/2003/3/schedule/1/enacted
       Under Schedule 1, Paragraph 5 (2)(a) of the 2003 Act:
       "Charge certificates
       5(2)The relevant period, in relation to a penalty charge notice
       is the period of 28 days beginning—
       (a)where no representations are made under paragraph 1 above,
       with the date on which the penalty charge notice is served;"
       _____________________________________
       This is 28 days after notice.
  HTML https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukla/2003/3/section/4/enacted
       Under Section 4, Paragraph 4 (8)(a)(iii)(v)(viii) of the 2003
       Act:
       "(8)A penalty charge notice under this section must—
       (a)state—
       (iii)that the penalty charge must be paid before the end of the
       period of 28 days beginning with the date of the notice;
       (v)that, if the penalty charge is not paid before the end of the
       28 day period, an increased charge may be payable;
       (viii)that the person on whom the notice is served may be
       entitled to make representations under paragraph 1 of Schedule 1
       to this Act; and"
       _________________________________
       Therefore:
       The PCN is non-compliant with Section 4(8) of the 2003 Act.
       Conflation of Dates: The PCN incorrectly states that a Charge
       Certificate may be issued 28 days from the Date of Notice. Under
       the Act, a Charge Certificate can only be issued after 28 days
       from the Date of Service.
       Prejudice: This wording is confusing and prejudices the
       recipient by suggesting the time to pay/challenge is shorter
       than it legally is.
       The PCN is defective as it fails to comply with the mandatory
       requirements of Section 4 (8)(a) of the London Local Authorities
       and Transport for London Act 2003. By stating a Charge
       Certificate may be issued 28 days from the Date of Notice, the
       authority is threatening to increase the charge before the
       statutory period for making representations (28 days from the
       Date of Service as per Schedule 1) has expired. This conflation
       of periods creates a lack of clarity and constitutes a
       procedural impropriety.
       _________________________________
       You can read a post Hippocrates managed to get appealed:
  HTML https://www.ftla.uk/civil-penalty-charge-notices-(councils-tfl-and-so-on)/53j-failing-to-comply-with-a-restriction-on-vehicles-entering-a-pedest-10716/msg118293/#msg118293
       Here is a drive link he has on it too
  HTML https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WSBVHktf6Yu3twJANacn8mmlTQKt1-t_/view
       You can appeal first, but most likely they will deny it and make
       you pay as the london council and government are out for your
       money with no care of context or situation. It'll most likely be
       tribunal where they'll appeal it.
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