Croydon Council revokes parking ticket after admitting signs are confusing
By Matt Johnson
matt.johnson@essnmedia.co.uk
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PARKING FINE OVERTURNED: Peter Hook
A disabled pensioner successfully challenged a parking fine after proving signs where he parked were too confusing for motorists.
Peter Hook was slapped with a £100 penalty notice for parking in Chalfont Road, South Norwood, on a Sunday.
This was despite the fact signs there told motorists the area was only a restricted zone from Monday to Saturday.
The 76-year-old admits he was parked on double yellow lines at the time, but thought it was safe to do so as the signs suggested no restrictions were in force that day.
Although Mr Hook, of South Norwood Hill, has successfully appealed the fine, he still feels the signs need to be amended to prevent other drivers being caught out.
He said: "These signs are the ones I go by and if they are false they shouldn't be displayed.
"They should put up a sign that says no waiting at any time but they haven't done. It doesn't make sense."
Friends of Mr Hook have also backed his cause.
Tony Holding, 61, who lives in Chalfont Road, said: "The council owe it to the people of Croydon to make it plain what is to happen.
"They should put up signs fairly close to where people are parking to show them what they can do and can't do."
Croydon Council now says it is reviewing the road signs in the area.
A council spokesman said: "Photographs taken by the parking attendant at the time of the offence clearly show the car was parked on double yellow lines.
"Department of Transport guidelines and The Highway Code indicate that, where double yellow lines are in place, no additional signs are required as the lines represent no waiting at any time.
"However, it is accepted the presence of the sign indicating a restriction period within the double yellow line area could cause confusion and, therefore, the penalty charge notice has been cancelled.
"The situation regarding the positioning of yellow lines and their associated information signs in Chalfont Road is under review and will be clarified at the earliest opportunity.
"In the meantime, civil enforcement officers will be instructed to exercise discretion in instances where there is an apparent conflict between road markings and signs."
4 Comments
by JJ, Croydon
Monday, November 17 2008, 11:46PM
“The worst offender for confusing signs has to be on South End - outside Pizza Express. The sign clearly states that there is a parking restriction until 5pm. What it does NOT state is that it relates to the zone beyond the sign only - so EVERY NIGHT people going out to eat at the local restaurants park on the wrong side of the sign(towards the Edge Pub) and EVERY NIGHT at 9.30 the wardens come along and ticket 2 or 3 cars. I can't help but think it is deliberate, as it would only take a small amendment to the sign to make it clear to all that the restriction ending at 5pm only applies to parking spaces beyond the sign.”
by Peter, West Croydon
Monday, November 17 2008, 8:00PM
“I must admit I am not familiar with this area but must congratulate Peter Hook on his "victory"
It just goes to show if you feel you have been wrongly persecuted then fight for your rights......Peter Hook did...and won!”
by D, South Croydon
Monday, November 17 2008, 10:57AM
“If you want confusing, check out the restrictions on Hailing Park Road, up to the corner with Avondale road. They change every 5 metres. Then on the corner of Avondale Road there is just one sign saying that it is a restricted zone from Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. I've now seen a number of cars towed away before 8am on the yellow line there, a spot that won't even cause an obstruction anyway. In fact last week I actually saw the poor people who turned up and found that their car had gone. Apparently the end of the yellow line isn't even properly marked, meaning it isn't enforceable (or so I've been told anyway by a neighbour).
I'm all for parking restrictions where they are needed, but where they are clearly confusing or pointless one can only reach one conclusion about why they are in place.”
by mickey eggs, croydon
Monday, November 17 2008, 8:20AM
“But why do we have too take things to court and follow them up to get anywhere ? Its obvious the signs are confusing, it is also obvious that the whole idea behind Croydon Council's bigger plan is "REVENUE RAISING" its all about the £. I mean why in central Croydon can you still get a ticket for parking in a bay at 1am ? On the roads ajacent Galicia restaurant for example ? Theres is no conjestion at that time ? The roads are empty ? Because they know they can raise money......thats why. Hoards of parking attendents working through the night. Absolute Joke”