Got this penalty charge! Should I contest it?

I had parked in a disabled bay one of two!

It was 7:30 pm & raining, the marking of the bay is very poor & I did not see (could not see) the markings!

The bay behind the one I parked in is easily visible!

Do I just pay up & shut up!

Thats very worn and hard to read mate and while I do not condone parking in disabled bays I think you might have a case. Was there any other signs on posts or walls?

Especially being 7:30 at night

That looks hand written and years old, the council without doubt should have repainted the bay should they wish to continue offering disabled bays, i would contest on the grounds of illegibility if there are no signs supporting the fact they are disabled bays

Especially being 7:30 at night

 

And raining.

I agree. Although I think a couple of night time shots in the rain would help your case. I don't really get these type of bays. Surely if you can park in it you have the blue badge, that enables you to park on double yellows. I think a single yellow would be far more applicable and less prone to misinterpretation.

 

There's one outside my neighbours house, it makes that one look perfectly legible though it's that faded. Never seen anyone pay it the slightest bit of notice.

Edited December 13, 201510 yr by Stephen

Suggest you get reading and maybe get a measure out, good luck but don't risk it next time - it just gives you loads of hassle.

 

And as for just pay it and shut up...methinks this is what many do and the council, authority, whatever know it.

 

http://www.rmbconsulting.co.uk/Making_a_challenge.html

How much is the charge? life is short do you need the hassle? don`t get caught up wanting to be a maverick knight righting the councils wrong doings, concentrate on better things like family, if you do contest though I always suggest paying under protest ( make that clear ) and then make your case for a refund, this stops it escalating to a higher charge and actually in my opinion gives you the higher ground morally, as other said get better pics showing poor condition at night and check the measurements / parking penalty is even legal

 

Jeff

I wouldn't contest that to be honest with you. Even in the dark and rain - if your eyesight is that bad that you cannot notice that on the road (faded but still clearly visible) you shouldn't be driving.

Thanks for the kind support & I do agree with you Jeff.

I do like the idea of paying under protest, I wonder if they would refund it though?

Yes there is a sign on a lamppost between the two bays!

However when it's night & the light is on, the sign is black as the light puts in in the dark!

 

- - - Updated - - -

 

Thanks for the kind support & I do agree with you Jeff.

I do like the idea of paying under protest, I wonder if they would refund it though?

Yes there is a sign on a lamppost between the two bays!

However when it's night & the light is on, the sign is black as the light puts in in the dark!

Here we go 16:39 taken of bay!

The lamppost sign!

This is without flash! I'm not sure if you can see anything from photos taken?

That looks hand written and years old, the council without doubt should have repainted the bay should they wish to continue offering disabled bays, i would contest on the grounds of illegibility if there are no signs supporting the fact they are disabled bays

 

I'd do that too..... Like everyone else, I don't condone parking in disabled bays. But just like you Art, I'd never do it intentionally.

 

Use the photos, reiterate the darkness and rain and appeal. If it was not 100% obvious, then the authorities cannot bring a case against you. And if you vehemently stick to your guns, chances are, they won't take you to court as it will cost them far more than the fine they would hope to recover from it!

 

Richard:clover:

I personally would take it to the parking adjudication panel with the photo's..... At least if someone proves it doesn't stand as a disabled parking bay it should force the council to repaint the lettering and sort out signage......

This will benefit genuinely disabled road users as they will have a well marked bay!

Or that is what should happen.....

If the council aren't prodded to sort things out they just leave things till they need to fix it, like pot holes and wheel damage claims..... the sad reality of our councils budgets nowadays!