Penalty charge. Should I appeal?

lunar · 12 Sep 2019 at 23:49

When I was driving, the vehicle ahead of me indicated right and stopped to park in a space that was going to become available. Rather than stopping behind the car I over took it be manoeuvring to the left into a bus lane and returned back in lane. The cars being be made tge same manoeuvre as I did.
I received a pcn for entering the bus lane. I appealed stating that I only entered the lane to overtake. The council upheld their decision.
Should I refuse to pay and ask for a decision to be made by an independent arbitrator?
I feel fed-up and may just pay the £65 discounted fine.

jsmoke · 12 Sep 2019 at 23:55

The chances are next to none of winning, probably a good source of income for councils.

Raymond Lin · 12 Sep 2019 at 23:59

Fight it, like this guy.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hereford-worcester-49641063

lunar · 13 Sep 2019 at 00:00

It seemed common sense to simply overtake.
The council said I should have waited.
Surely an independent arbitrator will see sense

Yas786 · 13 Sep 2019 at 00:04

lunar said:
It seemed common sense to simply overtake.
The council said I should have waited.
Surely an independent arbitrator will see sense

Evidently the council sees otherwise and has fined you.

Pay up and move on...in future don’t pull into a bus lane for whatever reason

edscdk · 13 Sep 2019 at 00:05

lunar said:
It seemed common sense to simply overtake.
The council said I should have waited.
Surely an independent arbitrator will see sense

I work with the sort of people you are fighting.. They would think nothing of spending mil £ to get a £50 fine paid.. Its not real money to them.. There is no reasoning there IS compromise...

lunar · 13 Sep 2019 at 00:12

That's what I meant by saying I was fed-up. Is it worth the bother for a £65 fine.

VoG · 13 Sep 2019 at 00:17

Take the hit & chalk it down to experience.

Robzere31 · 13 Sep 2019 at 00:20

Pay the fine & move on.
Better things in life to concern yourself with than petty beuroceracy.

lunar · 13 Sep 2019 at 00:25

I don't care about the money. It's the principle. Why hold up traffic whe a car is waiting to park.

Rotty · 13 Sep 2019 at 00:25

whether you see you had just cause won't win this one, you did it and that will be the end of the matter

Rroff · 13 Sep 2019 at 00:29

lunar said:
I don't care about the money. It's the principle. Why hold up traffic whe a car is waiting to park.

But the other way around is if people can make arbitrary interpretations of the bus lane rules it would all break down and hinder the movement of public transport (in theory). Although the implementation of road layout and approach by councils often leave people scratching their heads thems the rules.

Deleted member 77746 · 13 Sep 2019 at 00:37

Next time hold up traffic and don’t get a fine. These councils are becoming extremely ruthless. Stick to speed limits as well and at the end of the day Sid it don’t do what you think is right just obstacles he Council’s laws.

lunar · 13 Sep 2019 at 07:21

mrbell1984 said:
Next time hold up traffic and don’t get a fine. These councils are becoming extremely ruthless. Stick to speed limits as well and at the end of the day Sid it don’t do what you think is right just obstacles he Council’s laws.

Point taken. I am usually very careful. First pcn I have had in over 10 years. Never had points on my licence.

Delvis · 13 Sep 2019 at 07:33

lunar said:
Point taken. I am usually very careful. First pcn I have had in over 10 years. Never had points on my licence.

One of those things annoyingly. You could appeal again but the fine may change!

We know why you did it, bit the camera says no and the rule says no cars in the bus lane.

cheesyboy · 13 Sep 2019 at 07:39

Surely a stopped, waiting car counts as a 'blockage or obstruction', in which case using the bus lane is allowed, per the highway code

Maybe request the footage (if possible?)and assess how much it looks like the car in front really was looking like an obstruction before deciding on further action.

garsands · 13 Sep 2019 at 07:42

lunar said:
I don't care about the money. It's the principle. Why hold up traffic whe a car is waiting to park.

Ouch, the little word that has cost people so much.
Then do as already been posted above if the principle is so important to you and you don't care about the money please keep us updated on how you get on.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hereford-worcester-49641063

Nasher · 13 Sep 2019 at 07:51

Some councils are scummy, there are money making traps like that in most towns now. Near me there is also a bus lane one, they put a camera where the lane ends to catch people crossing the line on the last 10 meters :\

They will always uphold their decision initially.

stockhausen · 13 Sep 2019 at 07:58

lunar said:
I don't care about the money. It's the principle. Why hold up traffic when a car is waiting to park.

As you say, it is the principle - stay out of bus lanes - AT ALL TIMES.

BigglesPiP · 13 Sep 2019 at 07:59

https://www.confused.com/on-the-road/cost-of-motoring/bus-lanes-guide#

Penalty charge. Should I appeal?

Capodecina