Non-Compliant Traffic Sign (RUS Standard)
Traffic signs and markings must comply with the Road Traffic (Signs) Regulations 1997 (S.I. 181/1997) and the Traffic Signs Manual. Each sign has a prescribed RUS reference. A non-compliant sign (wrong size, faded, obscured, missing information plate) is not a 'traffic sign' under s.95 RTA 1961, and any restriction it purports to impose is unenforceable.
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.
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