Pay up or contest?

[Blackjack Davy]

Been issued with a fine via the post from a council for driving in a bus lane apparently, context is that day the bypass was closed that day to moving heavy machinery massive traffic jams everywhere in and out of town spent an hour and half in various jams for a trip thats usually 20mins at most, don't remember intentionally driving in a lane but rather than wait another 10 mins to go another 30 yards I think I took the empty lane to the left to the slip road off and out of that nightmare. They have a photo with a clear shot of the numberplate. What would you do? Plead extenuating circumstances i.e. mahoosive jams or pay up £35/21 days or £70 if contested and rejected? Thoughts?

 

[Blackjack Davy]

Contest the fact that you chose to be in a bus lane to drive passed everyone else waiting patiently in traffic? If you’re a bus or a taxi then fair enough.

'Twasn't intentional its a maze of bus lanes and whatever and I'm unfamiliar with the place wasn't even aware it was a bus lane

Not sure why you appear to think appealing is a no--lose situation. It doubles the fine unless it's revoked, which seems unlikely.

I didn't, just curious if i had any grounds. Guess I'll be paying up. Damn annoying already wasted a good part of the afternoon and ended up getting slapped with a fine on top just sucks.