Faulty or Non-Compliant Traffic Sign
Traffic signs and road markings must meet exact standards set out in the Traffic Signs Manual. Every sign has a required reference number (called a RUS number) that confirms it meets those standards. If a sign is the wrong size, faded, blocked from view, or is missing a required information plate, it does not legally count as a traffic sign. That means any restriction it was meant to enforce cannot be applied to you.
Legal basis
Road Traffic Act 1961 s.95 (as amended by s.37 RTA 1994); Road Traffic (Signs) Regulations 1997 (S.I. 181/1997); Traffic Signs Manual.
How to identify this in your case
Photograph the sign. Check Traffic Signs Manual. Common defects: RUS-019 without time-plate; yellow line(s) faded; sign obscured by foliage/HGV; missing accompanying plate; wrong height/position; RRM-007 without supporting upright sign.
Sample appeal wording
To: [Issuing Authority] Re: FCN [NUMBER] The traffic sign / road marking authorising the restriction at [LOCATION] does not comply with the Road Traffic (Signs) Regulations 1997 (S.I. 181/1997) and Traffic Signs Manual. Defects [SELECT/EXPAND]: - Single/double yellow line (RRM-007/RRM-008) substantially faded and not clearly visible - 'No Parking' sign obscured by [foliage / parked vehicle / hoarding] - Pay-and-display sign missing required information plate setting out hours - Disc parking zone sign at the entry missing/illegible - Sign not at prescribed height of 2.1m / not at start of restriction Dated photographs taken at [TIME] enclosed. Under s.95 RTA 1961, a 'traffic sign' must be one prescribed in the Signs Regulations. A non-compliant sign is not a traffic sign. The restriction is unenforceable. Cancel the FCN. Yours faithfully, [NAME]
Replace [PARKING DATE], [NtK DATE] etc. with your own dates before sending.
Beat It writes this argument automatically
Scan your PCN — our AI checks if this ground applies to your specific ticket, drafts a properly-cited appeal letter, and submits it to the council on your behalf. Only pay if you win.
Scan my ticket