Banged to rights?

Yesterday I received a penalty charge notice from the London Borough of
Haringey asking for 60 earth pounds of my hard earned.

It seems I've been spotted heading south along Bounds Green Road and the
picture is certainly me.

Approaching the lights outside Bounds Green tube station there are 3
lanes, two straight on (one of which is currently mostly blocked with
roadworks) and one right turn on a light filter. As there was nobody in
the right turn lane I took the opportunity to use it to filter to the
front of the middle straight on lane and be away on my toes when the
lights changed. No animals were harmed in the execution of this move.

It seems I've committed the heinous crime of (sic) "Failing to drive in
the direction shown by the arrow on a blue sign Proceeding in the wrong
direction."

Now, I went and had a look at this junction again today and there is no
blue sign (other than a keep left on the island, which I obeyed). So,
do the turn right arrows painted in the lane have any legal compulsion
on their own and/or are LBH talking bollocks?

I shall, of course, be having a little chat with the Union solicitors
(after all it's part of what I pay for) but I look forward to views of
the FOAK.

The money isn't an issue as it's only about 3 hours work and I can't be
arsed kicking up a fuss if it's going to take up a lot of my time but if
I didn't do anything wrong then there's a bit of a principle involved
here.

 

If you are sure, really really sure, there is no blue sign, and there
was no blue sign at the time in question, then you have not committed
the offence stated.

Your question isn't relevant.

 

Might be worth having a photo.

NAFAIK.

 

Google street view shows no blue signs. You have not committed the offence
described. However, INAL but AFAIK directional arrows are advisory, except
when accompanied by "turn left/right" or "ahead only" when they become
liable to a S36 of the 1988 RTA mandatory signage offence. Crossing lanes,
and causing other traffic to brake or change direction can then render you
open to a inconsiderate driving charge. However, I can't see how they could
demonstrate from a photograph that any other driver was affected. However,
if it is CCTV footage then there is a residual risk.

I think it is S36 (b) that applies - it refers to signs that are
"...lawfully placed ON or near a road..." see full wording below.

36. Drivers to comply with traffic signs.-
(1) Where a traffic sign, being a sign-
(a) of the prescribed size, colour and type, or
(b) of another character authorised by the Secretary of State under the
provisions in that behalf of the M1Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984,
has been lawfully placed on or near a road, a person driving or propelling a
vehicle who fails to comply with the indication given by the sign is guilty
of an offence.

If you challenge it there is a risk that they could try to come back with
the other offence. If you wait a while - until after 14 days have passed
then they can't issue another NIP for a different offence as they will be
out of time. You can then contest the original charge with no risk.

 

ARRGGHHH!!!

I fucking hate that almost as much as "...of this parish"

You are Colin Hunt AICMFF stabs in your chest.

 

There's no blue sign. The junction comes up clearly on Google earth
view and I can't see one. The two srtaight ahead lanes say "Ahead
Only" but the right lane only says "Turn Right".


http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en...fhc-Ld09-tJmWyu3HKy6zA&cbp=12,134.72,,0,10.95

 

Borag Thungg Earthlet

 

I like that.

 

I was quietly impressed as well.

 

In message

Ah, as someone else has suggested, could the Turn Right part of the road
markings constitute appropriate signage?

 

Zarjaz!

 

The camera operator is obviously being a bit of a ****. IMV, if you dispute
it they will invite you to court and then do you for contravening a filter
lane direction arrow.

See s.177 - note the phrase, "Do not enter that lane unless you want to go
in the direction of the arrow" which seems unambiguous.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_070332

I'd take the 60 quid hit. You don't mention points? I guess there aren't
any as it is a local authority job.

Next time, go up the filter lane, change your mind before you get to the
end of the queue, and pull into the centre lane 1 car from the front.

 

I also thought this but, having had a quick look at the Highway code,
1988 RTA and 1984 RTRA, I can't find anything to support that. They
seem to imply that failure to obey a sign (where a "sign" can be
marked on the road) falls under S36.

Does anybody know better than me ?

Cheers,

John

(now worried that every time I come home and turn into my drive from
the lane marked "Town Centre" I could get a ticket for not obeying the
road marking and going to the town centre)



S64 1984 RTRA :

General provisions as to traffic signs

(1)In this Act "traffic sign" means any object or device (whether
fixed or portable) for conveying, to traffic on roads or any specified
class of traffic, warnings, information, requirements, restrictions or
prohibitions of any description -

(a)specified by regulations made by the Ministers acting jointly, or

(b)authorised by the Secretary of State,

and any line or mark on a road for so conveying such warnings,
information, requirements, restrictions or prohibitions.

 

Is the evidence likely to be video, or a still? I'd be really surprised
if they took it all the way to court on a still, possibly on a video.

Yebbut no law mentioned in that para?

I wouldn't.

I don't see that as much of an improvement over what the OP did.

 

Their letter states it's supported by video evidence.

Assuming they state what I'm supposed to contravene in their notice, can
they just change their mind later?

I guess not but I shall see what the Union solicitor has to say
tomorrow.

 

Klaatu barada nikto!

 

xyzzy

 

****, I'm nerdy enough [1] to recognise that, from the original
film :-0

Paul.

[1] Yeah, I know, no epiphany there then

 

Well, it is a classic film... Of course, Keano's version crapped all over
it.

But then, so are the other films that use it.

 

Eh? It's a classic, you're hardly unique in recognising it.

For full geek points, answer this question correctly:

GAFFC?