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#Post#: 108306--------------------------------------------------
Cycle Lane - PCN - BRENT
DIR By: hamag
Date: February 1, 2026, 1:57 pm
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Hi all
I got stung by a cycle lane PCN at this location (where the
white toyota is parked):
HTML https://maps.app.goo.gl/6QkYtgBtaLNtPrUT6
It was 5 minutes before the cut off time (6:30 pm)
My wife, who was with me as well as my 18 month old baby.
My wife is not well. She has a long term autoimmune illness and
at the time of the PCN, I stopped briefly, on which I thought
was a single yellow lane. didn't notice the cycle lane. Anyway,
she was not feeling well and felt dizzy and I stopped driving
for that reason. and also to feed my baby who was crying at the
back, which didn't help the situation.
Do I have a chance with an appeal?
TIA
#Post#: 108308--------------------------------------------------
Re: Cycle Lane - PCN - BRENT
DIR By: hamag
Date: February 1, 2026, 2:05 pm
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PCN Pics
HTML https://ibb.co/ZRpn8Zgq
HTML https://ibb.co/HDYvxdhg
HTML https://ibb.co/PzssqbRd
HTML https://ibb.co/dJrWpWqY
#Post#: 108319--------------------------------------------------
Re: Cycle Lane - PCN - BRENT
DIR By: stamfordman
Date: February 1, 2026, 4:28 pm
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This is a recent power to issue camera PCNs for cycle tracks.
Stopping for circumstances beyond your control is an exemption.
Our member Hippo may have something such as camera
authorisation.
One case refused I can see.
-------
Case reference
Appellant
Authority
VRM
PCN Details
PCN
Contravention date
Contravention time
Contravention location
Penalty amount
Contravention
Referral date
Decision Date
Adjudicator
Appeal decision
Direction
within 28 days.
Reasons
below, I am satisfied that the contravention occurred and that
the Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) was properly issued and served.
There is clear evidence that the vehicle was in contravention as
alleged in the PCN.
The evidence also establishes that the restriction was
adequately signed according to law. I am satisfied on the
balance of probabilities that the signage relating to the
restriction was substantially compliant with the relevant
regulations, clear and adequate.
The circumstances as explained by the appellant, i.e. that he
was not aware of the cycle track despite the clear signage does
not constitute a lawful excuse. I have no power to allow an
appeal on the basis of mitigation.
I therefore conclude that there are no valid grounds of appeal
in this case.
#Post#: 108321--------------------------------------------------
Re: Cycle Lane - PCN - BRENT
DIR By: hamag
Date: February 1, 2026, 4:41 pm
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My PCN was on the same road as above.
Does that fact mine was 5 minutes before the end of the
restriction make a difference? and added to that the medical
emergency as stated above.
i am planning to write just a standard letter explaining the
above. is there anything specific i need to mention in that
letter? are there templates I can use?
I will post the draft I have written below.
#Post#: 108322--------------------------------------------------
Re: Cycle Lane - PCN - BRENT
DIR By: hamag
Date: February 1, 2026, 4:42 pm
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Dear Sir or Madam,
I make formal representations against Penalty Charge Notice
[], issued on 20/01/2026 at 18:25 for contravention code 49J
(parked wholly or partly on a cycle track).
Factual background
The location is subject to a cycle lane restriction which
operates until 6:30 pm. The alleged contravention occurred at
18:25, five minutes prior to the end of the restriction. The
vehicle was stopped only briefly.
At the time, I was travelling with my wife and our 18-month-old
baby. My wife suffers from a long-term autoimmune illness and
became suddenly unwell and dizzy. In addition, our baby was
distressed and crying. Given the immediate welfare and safety
concerns, I stopped the vehicle momentarily in order to address
the situation. The stop was not for convenience, and the vehicle
was not left for any longer than was strictly necessary.
Legal grounds and discretion
I acknowledge the importance of cycle lane enforcement. However,
I respectfully submit that this case falls squarely within the
circumstances where discretion should be exercised.
Under section 87 of the Traffic Management Act 2004, enforcement
authorities are required to have regard to the Secretary of
State’s Statutory Guidance to Local Authorities on Civil
Enforcement of Parking Contraventions.
Paragraph 85 of that guidance states:
“Enforcement authorities have a duty to act fairly and
proportionately and are encouraged to exercise discretion
sensibly and reasonably, with due regard to the public
interest.”
Paragraph 86 further provides:
“Authorities should consider mitigating circumstances and should
be prepared to exercise discretion where appropriate, even where
a contravention has technically occurred.”
This representation is made on that basis. The vehicle was
stopped due to an unforeseen medical and childcare situation,
very close to the end of the restriction period, and without any
intention to contravene parking controls.
Proportionality
I also respectfully draw attention to the principle of
proportionality, which underpins civil enforcement. Given:
- the extremely short time remaining before the restriction
ended,
- the brief duration of the stop,
- the genuine medical and welfare circumstances involved,
the issue of a penalty charge in these circumstances appears
disproportionate to the purpose of the restriction.
Conclusion
In light of the above, I respectfully request that the authority
exercise its discretion and cancel the Penalty Charge Notice.
I confirm that I understand and respect parking and traffic
restrictions, and this incident was wholly exceptional.
I look forward to your considered response.
#Post#: 108477--------------------------------------------------
Re: Cycle Lane - PCN - BRENT
DIR By: stamfordman
Date: February 2, 2026, 5:30 pm
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Post the video.
#Post#: 109174--------------------------------------------------
Re: Cycle Lane - PCN - BRENT
DIR By: hamag
Date: February 9, 2026, 5:13 am
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Here is the video.
HTML https://streamable.com/lv8tr6
Apologies about the delay.
link will expire in 2 day btw.
#Post#: 109183--------------------------------------------------
Re: Cycle Lane - PCN - BRENT
DIR By: hamag
Date: February 9, 2026, 5:27 am
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Does that fact that I was 5 minutes till end of enforcement and
it was a single yellow line, not allow me to park/stop there
briefly.
#Post#: 109240--------------------------------------------------
Re: Cycle Lane - PCN - BRENT
DIR By: fraser.mitchell
Date: February 9, 2026, 12:39 pm
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--- Quote from: hamag link ---
>
> Does that fact that I was 5 minutes till end of enforcement
and it was a single yellow line, not allow me to park/stop there
briefly.
>
--- End Quote ---
Sorry, no, but you could argue on de minimis. Brent would be
very unlikely to accept this argument, so you'd have to take
them to London Tribunals and risk the full penalty. HOw3
#Post#: 109244--------------------------------------------------
Re: Cycle Lane - PCN - BRENT
DIR By: Phantomcrusader
Date: February 9, 2026, 1:32 pm
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The alleged contravetion did not occur because you were not
parked in a cycle track. You were parked in a cycle lane. The
traffic signs manual
HTML https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5c78f895e5274a0ebfec719b/traffic-signs-manual-chapter-03.pdf<br
/>that councils should follow confirms this.
11.1.2. Cycle facilities may take the form of cycle lanes which
run along the road and form part
of the carriageway, and cycle tracks which are separate from the
carriageway and meet up with
it only to cross or join it.
Luckily the PCN failes to quote contravention code 49 correctly
which is
49. Parked wholly or partly on a cycle track or lane
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