PCN for allegedly driving in a bus lane.

[L:eightonx1]

Hello,

I'm a fairly new driver (since May) and I've just been issued a penalty charge for allegedly driving in a bus lane. I'm fairly familiar with the road in question, as I drive it almost daily to retrieve my partner from work. Anyway, they did send me photographic evidence, which I feel only further supports the unjustness of their claims. I'm just looking for a bit of advice in forming a response, as I intend to challenge the fine.

I apologise if I'm posting this in the wrong place, I’m new to this too.

Thank you for your time

Leighton

[michael]

Stills never tell the whole story. You need to view the video, often available on-line on the councils website.

[des8]

You really need to give more info, but the best forum for penalty charges is Pepipoo : http://www.pepipoo.com/

[L:eightonx1]

Hi,

Thank you for your responses. I just thought I'd post an update, as it may help others.

I wrote back to the council and made representations on the grounds that I didn't believe the alleged contravention occurred.

A bit of research produced a document on the council website, that contained guidelines for traffic enforcement and the issuing of penalties. The guidelines specifically state that a driver must be observed to have travelled 20 meters within a bus lane, before a penalty should be issued (This may be specific to Bury, but is also apparently the case in London).

I didn’t believe I even travelled within the bus lane at all, let alone 20 meters. I also felt the photographic evidence they supplied only further supported that I did not contravene the bus lane enforcement. That particular stretch of road has a fragmented bus lane (guess how long each stretch is), however I was confident that I didn’t drive in any part of it. (I accept my front left wheel touched the line separating the re-starting of the bus lane as is clear in image 3)

Even more surprising (to me) is that the penalty wasn’t issued through any automated system. This was via a human being sat in a tiny half a car on the verge.

I stated all the above in my letter, sent Recorded Delivery. In particular I pointing out their own documentation, that contradicts them issuing me with a penalty in the first place. They don’t offer the ability to view the video online, instead you have to book an appointment to attend the council to watch it. I therefore stated that if common sense and rational thought did not prevail, to book me an appointment.

2 days later I receive a letter quashing the penalty.

[des8]

Well done and thank you for letting us know