Suprise NTO from Croydon Council

[laura_d]

Hi folks,

 

Wondering if anyone can help...

 

I've just received an NTO from Croydon Council in respect of a PCN issued on 16/11 at 20:27 re "01-Parked in a restricted street during prescribed hours. Band A".

 

This is the first I have heard about it, the PCN was not served and as such I am going to challenge the fine.

 

However, the reason for posting here is confusion relating to the controlled zone sign.

 

The road in question is Heathfield Road in Croydon. When I parked up, I checked the sign which said Mon-Sat 8am-8pm.

 

On receiving the NTO this morning, I did a google map search and it seems the reverse of the sign has a different restriction on it, being Mon-Sun 8am-Midnight.

 

I crossed the oncoming lane to park and at no time did I see the varied restriction on the back. Perhaps foolishly, I took the sign at face value and didn't think to double check when I got out of my car either.

 

I've had a look at The Traffic Signs Regulations and can't seem to pick anything out about this. Does anyone know if these kind of signs are permitted to have different restrictions printed on each side? It seems to be incredibly misleading.

 

I have attached photos of both sides for reference, apologies for the quality, screen grabs from googlemaps is all I could manage.

 

Finally, I don't have access to a scanner at the mo so am unable to post a copy of the NTO but will do so as soon as I can.

 

Many thanks,

Laura

 

[ATTACH=CONFIG]40170[/ATTACH]

 

[ATTACH=CONFIG]40171[/ATTACH]

[Michael Browne]

Did you park in Heathfield Road?

[laura_d]

Yes, I parked on Heathfield Rd just where it meets Coombe Road.

[Michael Browne]

Yes, I parked on Heathfield Rd just where it meets Coombe Road.

 

Ok, but where exactly,:

 

http://goo.gl/maps/RxHiH

 

Coombe Rd side of the CPZ sign or Heathfield Rd side

[laura_d]

I was on the Coombe Rd side of the CPZ side, probably right about where that give way sign post stands.

 

If it makes any kind of difference, I approached from Coombe Road.

[Michael Browne]

You have nothing to lose by making an appeal.

 

a) You parked at the end of Heathfield Rd, thinking that the restriction times facing you applied to that location. You now realise that you were mistaken and will ensure you park correctly in future.

 

b) There was no PCN on the vehicle and having now received the NTO, you have only just become aware that any contravention took place. Therefore you have not had any opportunity to pay the discounted amount.

 

Ask that the council use it's discretion and cancel the PCN or allow you to pay the 50% discount.

 

TBH it's unlikely to work, but it will mean that you don't have to pay until their letter of rejection which may take several weeks.