CCTV Footage Timestamps Incorrect or Inconsistent

CCTV systems must maintain accurate time synchronisation. If the camera's internal clock is incorrect (evidenced by timestamps that do not correlate with GPS time or with other concurrent footage), the stated time of the contravention may be inaccurate. If the contravention time is wrong, the council may be unable to prove the restriction was in force at the actual time, or may be unable to correlate the footage with a specific vehicle through DVLA records.

Legal basis

Civil Enforcement of Road Traffic Contraventions (Approved Devices) Regulations 2022; data accuracy requirements under DPA 2018; standard of proof

How to identify this in your case

Compare the timestamp on the PCN with any independent time reference you have (your own CCTV, dashcam, phone records). Request the camera's maintenance log including time synchronisation records. If there is a discrepancy, challenge the accuracy of the evidence.

Sample appeal wording

Dear Representations Team, Re: PCN [NUMBER] — Timestamp Accuracy Challenge I formally challenge this PCN on the basis that the CCTV camera's timestamp is inaccurate. I have independent evidence (dashcam footage / phone records / [other]) showing that at the time the camera recorded [stated time], the actual time was [actual time]. I formally request: 1. The camera's time synchronisation records for the period including the date of the alleged contravention 2. The maintenance log confirming the camera's clock accuracy If timestamps cannot be verified as accurate, the evidential basis of this PCN is undermined and it must be cancelled. Yours faithfully, [NAME]

Replace [PARKING DATE], [NtK DATE] etc. with your own dates before sending.

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Sources

Civil Enforcement of Road Traffic Contraventions (Approved Devices) Regulations 2022
Data Protection Act 2018 s.35 (data accuracy)