Bus Lane Penalty Charge Notice in a London Borough

[Equanimity]

Hi,

I have received a PCN from the council for 'Being in a bus lane' and would like advice about challenging this.

Basically, I drove out of my Health Centre on to the main road, and at the exit the pavement dictates that you turn left. I turned left and then realised I was in a Bus Lane but wasn't sure if it was being enforced at the time - it was dark and I couldn't see any signs. Anyway, I indicated right to join the main lane of traffic, and in doing so, I have traveled a few seconds in the bus lane up to the junction of the next side road, where the bus lane is not marked on the road. Here I managed to move to the right and join the main flow of traffic.

My question is whether the lack of signage at the exit from the health centre to the main road, could be seen as acceptable for the few seconds my car was in the bus lane? I have not viewed the camera pictures, but I am sure that I was indicating right as soon as I realised it was a bus lane, even though I didn't know if it was active at the time (it is only an active bus lane at certain times).

I'd be grateful for any useful advice, thanks