Appealing a ticket for my Scooter on the footpath?

Question

The scooter needed to be on the footpath so I could secure it to a tree. I asked the ticket warden if this was ok - and he said it was. The scooter was parked there for three months (it was a wide footpath and created no obstruction). I then recieved two tickets on two consequentive days for parking on the footpath. I didnt know about the first one until I called the call centre about the empty ticket sleeve I found on the ground beside my scooter, at which time I found I had been ticketed twice. So there are several considerations: 1. neither ticket was properly served, 2. the advice given by the traffic warden, 3. scooters are parked on the footpaath all the time in the area i live, 4. Parking offences themselves are absolute - you park illegally, there is no defense. However I wonder if there is a side action against the Council for their representive giving wrong advice (which is evidenced by the demonstrable fact they he did not enforce the rules).

Answer 1

"I wonder if there is a side action against the Council for their representive giving wrong advice (which is evidenced by the demonstrable fact they he did not enforce the rules)."

Though the original issue is you illegally parking...you do have a potential arguement.

To say the least going to court to tell your side of the issue is an option with a possible positive outcome on your part.

Then again, the cost of the parking summons is minimal...

Answer 2

If what you say is correct, then I think that the tickets issued are harsh to say the least. Yes we all know that you shouldn't park on a footpath, however if you are not causing an obstruction then its not really a problem. The fact that a traffic warden assured you it was fine and then another ticketed you is annoying to say the least.

My rule of thumb is that there should be sufficient room to allow a large pram to pass.

Speak or write to the to the council and appeal to their better nature. You have the option of speaking to a solicitor, however you have to weigh up the cost v principle aspect.

I personally wouldn't take it as far as court because the likely outcome is that you are fined more.

Good luck and I hope you reach a suitable outcome.

Answer 3

The fact the warden give you wrong advice is not relevant, it is up to yourself to park correctly. It was probably the case the warden was just being nice. You do not say why tickets were not properly served, from sound of things they were attached to the vehicle and somebody has pulled them off thinking they are doing you a favour. Even if scooters are parked all the time where you live that doesnt mean it is right. You can try appealing but i think that you will not be successful

Answer 4

1. Why were they not 'properly served'. Affixing a ticket to a vehicle is properly serving a ticket. If someone then rips it off or otherwise intereferes with it, that is not the concern of the authorities. 2. I presume, an individual of whom you have no record of name or badge number - and if you have got their personal details, your word against theirs - not going to hold up. 3) Not a defence. I could say 'people speed all the time on motorways' in defence of a speeding ticket on the motorway - do you think that would be listened to? 4) Correct. Just pay up, it;ll be a lot cheaper and easier...

Answer 5

the person who told you that it was alright to"park" your scooter on the footpath was wrong.that others do it and don`t appear to be charged do`s not make it any less an offence.i would tell the issuing authority of the advice you were given and hope that they take that into account.hope things work out ok.

Answer 6

1 and 2

Be careful not to place blame the police. Simply explain that this was a misunderstanding and that you intend on following the laws (hence you asked an officer) and that this will not happen again.