Should I Pay or Appeal London Bus Lane Fine?
If you’ve received a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) for driving in a London bus lane, you might feel worried. This is a common problem. Each month, over 32,000 people come to us for guidance on tickets and fines.
In this article, we’ll help you understand:
- What a bus lane is and why it’s important to follow the rules.
- The meaning of a Penalty Charge Notice and why it is given.
- How to make a good decision about paying or appealing your fine.
- What could happen if you choose not to pay your PCN.
- Where you can get more help if you need it.
Our team is very good at dealing with cases like this, so we know how it feels to get a PCN, and we’re here to help. So, take a moment, breathe easy, and read on to learn how to handle your bus lane fine. We will look at your worries about the fine and the appeals process and give you the information you need to make a good choice. Let’s dive in.
Do You Have To Pay?
In some circumstances, you might have a legitimate reason not to pay your bus lane fine.
It’s a bit sneaky, but the last time I needed legal advice, I paid £5 for a trial to chat with an online solicitor called JustAnswer.
Not only did I save £50 on solicitor feeds, I also won my case and didn’t have to pay my £271 fine.
Chat below to get started with JustAnswer
In partnership with Just Answer.
Do You Have To Pay a Penalty Charge Notice?
In the case of a PCN, you will have a specified period of time to appeal the charge or pay the fine. Penalties vary by local authority and offence type but typically range from £30 to £130. In the event that the fine is not paid or successfully challenged, it may increase, and you may be taken to court, which may result in additional fines, court costs, and points on your license.
How to avoid paying London bus lane fines
If you want to avoid paying a London bus lane fine you’ll need an airtight appeal.
The best way to perfect your appeal is getting a little advice from a Solicitor. I’d 100% recommend spending a fiver to get a trial of JustAnswer.
You can explain your situation in their chat and they’ll connect you with a Solicitor who can advise you and give you the best chance to win your appeal.
Click here to get the trial offer with JustAnswer.
What Happens if You Don’t Pay a PCN?
If you do not pay a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) within the specified timeframe, the penalty charge may increase, and you may receive additional notices demanding payment. Further enforcement action may be taken if you do not pay the PCN, and I have listed some examples of this below.
- The debt could be passed over to a debt collection agency, which could affect your credit score.
- Getting a County Court Judgement (CCJ) against you, which will appear on your credit file and can impact your ability to get credit or loans in the future.
- If you don’t pay up once you are given a CCJ, the court might send bailiffs to your home to enforce payment of the debt.
Successful Appeal Case Study
Situation
| Initial Fine | £100 |
| Additional Fees | £171 |
| Total Fine | £271 |
The Appeal Process
Scott used JustAnswer, online legal service to enhance his appeal. The trial of this cost him just £5.
| Total Fine | £271 |
| Cost of legal advice | £5 |
JustAnswer helped Scott craft the best appeal possible and he was able to win his case.
Scott’s fine was cancelled and he only paid £5 for the legal help.
In partnership with Just Answer.
How Can You Appeal Against a PCN?
If you think a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) was issued incorrectly, you can appeal it. According to the type of offence and the local authority, the appeal process for a bus lane fine generally consists of two stages, which I have explained below.
- An informal appeal is the first step, which can be made online, by post, or online, depending on your local authority’s requirements. Your appeal must be supported by evidence, such as photographs or witness statements, and explain why you believe the PCN was incorrectly issued. The PCN will be cancelled if you win your appeal, and you will not have to pay the penalty. You can use an appeal letter template to start your appeal.
- In the event that your informal appeal is rejected, you may appeal formally to an independent adjudicator through the Traffic Penalty Tribunal. An outline of your case will be submitted, along with any supporting evidence. Both parties will be bound by the adjudicator’s decision, which will consider both sides of the argument.
Why Is Driving in a Bus Lane an Offence?
It is a driving offence to drive in a bus lane when it is not permitted, as it can disrupt public transportation services and compromise road safety.
In order to improve the efficiency and reliability of public transportation, bus lanes are designed to prioritise public transport vehicles and other authorised vehicles, such as taxis and emergency vehicles. Buses and other authorised vehicles may experience longer wait times if unauthorized vehicles use the bus lane, leading to increased congestion and slower journey times.
Hire a Solicitor for less than a coffee.
If you’re thinking about appealing your parking ticket then getting some professional advice is a good idea.
Getting the support of a Solicitor can make your appeal much more likely to win.
For a £5 trial, Solicitors from JustAnswer can look at your case and help you create an airtight appeal.
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In partnership with Just Answer.
