Double Yellow Lines - Grace Period?

[andy-hughes]

I parked on a double yellow to escort an elderly infirm relative into a local restaurant. When U returned less than two minutes later, a Traffic Officer had issued a fixed penalty notice.

When I explained the situation, he advised that the ticket could not be rescinded.

I will appeal the ticket - the restaurant manager has confirmed he will support my evidence in writing if required.

My question is - is there a 'grace' period for circumstances such as this, or is it only at the officer's discretion?

Since the 'between times' indicated on the ticket were identical - 19.13 - it's clear there was not a lot of 'discretion ' being offered!

But is there a point of law about a 'reasonable' time for a car to be seen, before it is booked?

[andy-hughes]

Thanks Hopkirk.

[wolf63]

When my street was ruled by traffic wardens things went smoothly because of a common sense approach and some banter.

Nowadays they seem to employ robots who stick to the law, speak to the public like they were all irrelevant pests and I have seen them actively escalating a minor issue into a situation requiring police intervention.

I hope you win your appeal.

[andy-hughes]

Thanks wolf.

[royfromaus]

You're going the wrong way about it

 

https://twitter.com/i/status/1699457146855793005

[bobbinwales]

I do nt think links work proper now roy

[windywillow]

Good luck for a positive outcome, Andy. 👍

[andy-hughes]

Thanks windywillow.

[Paul22118]

But officer, I have only been a minute.  I was picking up, dropping off,waiting for a blind, disabled close relative who has mental issues.........etc etc etc. If I had a pound for every....blah blah blah.  Pay up, stop wriggling.

[andy-hughes]

Paul - // But officer, I have only been a minute.  I was picking up, dropping off,waiting for a blind, disabled close relative who has mental issues.........etc etc etc. If I had a pound for every....blah blah blah.  Pay up, stop wriggling. //

I wouldn;t describe it as 'wriggling', i think an appeal is reasonable, with nothing to lose except a little time to write the letter.