Hi folks, new here, just had a PCN for entering a "tram gate" in Nottingham, as I was completely caught out by the poor signage I think it's fair that I appeal and be let off, that would be fair
I've already missed my discounted rate as I've been rather busy.
the story: I'd just had a gentle nudge from behind while queuing at lights, the idiot then tried to stop in the middle of the very congested road to sort it out, fortunately I had the intelligence to lead him off to a side road. No damage, a bit of his paint on my car but tbh I don't care, so let him on his way. But didn't know where I was! Went one way and got stuck in a dead end, turned round, ended up going left out of what I now know is pearl street, possibly passing some tiny dead-end signs (having looked on google streetview, don't remember seeing them before..) and drove right into the tram gate, only realising after I crossed the line and having no safe place to turn I carried on
As far as I'm concerned the signs are too far from the road and blend into the furniture as they're in line with bins, lamp-posts and bus shelters. The odd spacing of the "TRAM ONLY" on the road means it takes longer to read, so you're over the line by the time you figure it out and the poor surface of goldsmith st means there was standing water, visible on the PCN (although from a different angle so less reflection), which partially obscured the lettering and the yellow line across the road.
Now I have seen one successful appeal on these forums (from the other direction?) but I really don't fancy the stress and taking the time off work and finding my way to Birmingham only to be told I still have to pay it, plus the fuel cost getting there plus NCC's costs. Any more tales of successful appeals?
I'm not too good with all the fancy legal language used for these kind of things, it's all a bit intimidating!