yeah photos first thing as above
also he needs to write notes on what happened
and yes ish - Manch CC cancelled its own penalty notices ( not quite the same ) for going in to a bus only area after agreeing the signage ( yeah "sign-idge" there is such a word) was unclear. But this is of course a different kind of claim and perhaps will make the lawyers rub their hands....
IF he is making an insurance claim then the insurance company takes over all rights including the right to sue the council if any - a concept that has been Very Difficult to get over to the average ABer. (subrogation)
my last attempt here
https://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Law/Question1555888.html#answer-10990230
caused completely predictable chaos
where I basically advise that if there is an insurable / insured loss then go with it .....