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#Post#: 88580--------------------------------------------------
Contesting Unnecessary Obstruction Charge
By: pforparis Date: September 5, 2025, 10:37 am
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Hi all,
I recently received a Conditional Offer of Fixed Penalty for £30
for an alleged offence of “unnecessary obstruction” in
Liverpool, and I intend to contest it as I don’t believe I’m in
the wrong.
Some context:
I’ve parked in this spot regularly since moving to my flat last
year, as my apartment doesn’t come with a dedicated car space.
Other cars park there all the time, and I haven’t seen any other
notices issued before or after.
On the day in question, my car was parked where the red cross is
on this satellite image:
HTML https://ibb.co/9kLGPvnB
HTML https://ibb.co/9kLGPvnB.
Traffic was able to pass freely in both
directions.
There are no single or double yellow lines.
I emailed the issuing authority asking for clarification. They
replied that the officer “wishes to proceed,” citing: “parking
in a live lane of a carriageway thus obstructing traffic flow”
and “within 10m of a junction.” They offered two options: pay
£30 now or take it to court.
I’ve measured the distances on Google Maps — both sides to the
nearest junction are over 20 metres, so the “within 10m” claim
seems incorrect.
I feel, on principle, that I wasn’t in the wrong, so I’m keen to
contest the notice through the magistrates’ court if necessary.
However, I’m open to any other recommendations or perspectives
from those with experience handling similar cases.
I’ve had a clean driving record since 2012 and would appreciate
any guidance on how best to contest this notice, including
potential procedural points I could raise or evidence I should
gather before taking further action.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
#Post#: 88599--------------------------------------------------
Re: Contesting Unnecessary Obstruction Charge
By: Southpaw82 Date: September 5, 2025, 12:50 pm
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My day (that would be spent in court) is worth far more than
£30, but you do you.
#Post#: 88612--------------------------------------------------
Re: Contesting Unnecessary Obstruction Charge
By: NewJudge Date: September 5, 2025, 3:37 pm
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[quote]...and would appreciate any guidance on how best to
contest this notice, including potential procedural points I
could raise or evidence I should gather before taking further
action.[/quote]
You cannot contest the notice. You either accept the penalty
offered or you allow the matter to proceed to prosecution in
court. There is no other action open to you at this stage.
I must say that looking at GSV, it seems lots of drivers park in
the same place.
#Post#: 88629--------------------------------------------------
Re: Contesting Unnecessary Obstruction Charge
By: CharlieVictor33 Date: September 6, 2025, 2:16 am
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Having looked at streetview the only thing I could think of is
that it is the approach to traffic lights, but I have always
thought, and could be wrong, that it is only zig zags that would
enforce an approach to lights, and common sense would kick in
that you wouldn't park near a crossing/lights, but the distance
here would almost certainly not be relevant here.
I'd say the officer has got it wrong, although on 2 different
years on streetview there are suspension notices on the fence,
but as above going to court to prove your point could end up
becoming quite costly if the court find against you, and then
end up with a larger fine and costs.
It may be one to speak with the local councillor about otherwise
take the £30 on the chin.
#Post#: 88643--------------------------------------------------
Re: Contesting Unnecessary Obstruction Charge
By: pforparis Date: September 6, 2025, 4:36 am
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[quote author=Southpaw82 link=topic=7942.msg88599#msg88599
date=1757094659]
My day (that would be spent in court) is worth far more than
£30, but you do you.
[/quote]
Thanks. I think this is a helpful perspective to consider. I've
paid the fee just for peace of mind that I don't need to think
about this anymore. Certainly feel unjust though.. :-\
#Post#: 88644--------------------------------------------------
Re: Contesting Unnecessary Obstruction Charge
By: pforparis Date: September 6, 2025, 4:38 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[quote author=NewJudge link=topic=7942.msg88612#msg88612
date=1757104660]
[quote]...and would appreciate any guidance on how best to
contest this notice, including potential procedural points I
could raise or evidence I should gather before taking further
action.[/quote]
You cannot contest the notice. You either accept the penalty
offered or you allow the matter to proceed to prosecution in
court. There is no other action open to you at this stage.
I must say that looking at GSV, it seems lots of drivers park in
the same place.
[/quote]
Ah sorry for my confusing phrasing. The specific location is
constantly parked with cars so it just really doesn't make sense
why since I moved here, cars were issued parking notices on that
one morning only.
#Post#: 88645--------------------------------------------------
Re: Contesting Unnecessary Obstruction Charge
By: pforparis Date: September 6, 2025, 4:40 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[quote author=CharlieVictor33 link=topic=7942.msg88629#msg88629
date=1757143013]
Having looked at streetview the only thing I could think of is
that it is the approach to traffic lights, but I have always
thought, and could be wrong, that it is only zig zags that would
enforce an approach to lights, and common sense would kick in
that you wouldn't park near a crossing/lights, but the distance
here would almost certainly not be relevant here.
I'd say the officer has got it wrong, although on 2 different
years on streetview there are suspension notices on the fence,
but as above going to court to prove your point could end up
becoming quite costly if the court find against you, and then
end up with a larger fine and costs.
It may be one to speak with the local councillor about otherwise
take the £30 on the chin.
[/quote]
I had photos of the day I received the parking notice and there
wasn't a parking suspension notice nearby. When I enquired, the
police also didn't quote this as a reason for the notice. I've
just made the payment though because I think even though I'm
more likely in the right, it's not worth the stress and
uncertainty when this is taken to court. It's a good idea to
write to the local councillor though and that may give me some
closure! Thanks for the idea.
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