Banned Turn Sign Was Wrong or Missing
A no-turn restriction can only be enforced if the signs telling you about it meet strict official rules — covering the correct sign type, size, position, and visibility. If a sign is the wrong size, fixed at the wrong height, missing a time plate when one is needed, or hard to see because of damage or overgrown vegetation, the restriction may not be legally enforceable and your ticket could be invalid.
Legal basis
Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 (SI 2016/362); Traffic Management Act 2004; Hayward v Essex County Council [various TPT decisions on sign compliance]
How to identify this in your case
Visit the location (or use Google Street View) and photograph the signs. Check the relevant TSRGD 2016 diagram for the exact required dimensions, placement height (usually 2.1m–5.5m minimum clearance), and whether a time plate is required. Also check whether the sign is obscured by vegetation or damage.
Sample appeal wording
Dear Representations Team, Re: PCN [NUMBER] — Vehicle [REG] I formally represent against the above PCN for an alleged banned turn contravention. The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 prescribe precise requirements for the signs used to indicate turning restrictions. Upon inspection of the location, I have identified the following non-compliance: [describe specific defect]. Please see the attached photographs. Where signage does not meet statutory requirements, a driver cannot be held to have had adequate notice of the restriction, and the contravention cannot be upheld. I request cancellation of this PCN. Yours faithfully, [NAME]
Replace [PARKING DATE], [NtK DATE] etc. with your own dates before sending.
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Related appeal grounds
- Ambiguous restriction — 'while charging' vs 'EV only' confusion
- Banned Turn Sign Missing or Unclear
- Bath CAZ — Boundary Camera at Misleading Location
- Bus Lane Signs Missing or Doesn't Meet Rules
- Cardiff parking signs must show Welsh and English equally
- Conflicting or Ambiguous Sign Terms — Read in Your Favour (CRA s.69)