Parking ticket

[Dolomede]

In a strange town yesterday morning. Snow all over road. Park within 8' of a pavement pole saying I have an hour. Return 45 minutes later to find ticket on car. Now raining and snow has melted sufficiently to show I am 1/3 on a legitimate bay and 2/3 on a loading only section behind me. Do I have grounds for appeal as the lines were covered by the snow?

[dilligaf]

Yes... If you can prove that when you parked your car the road markings were covered in snow and not visible.
The problem is trying to prove it.

[Grunty]

In theory they could proceed, but it would be unfair. If you write a letter to the address on the ticket, politely pointing out the circumstances, I would be surprised if the ticket was not withdrawn.

[Oneeyedvic]

Sorry, but ignorane is no defense in law.

If the council are reasonable, they may take a view and cancel the ticket, but technically you have no defense.

[stanleyman]

Got to court if necessary, the lines must be clearly marked to be legal, you can't be expected to guess where they are.

[cartie303]

hi dolomede i wouldnt pay as with the council having the contract to keep roads clear of snow, ask asap to see the local council cttv tape of the towns roads on that perticular day any one can do this as it is perfectly legal to ask plus as well all council depots have to by law keep a log of weather for each and every day so you will find at the transport depot a log for that day saying snow but you gotta do it asap

[Dolomede]

Thanks for all the advice. I attached pictures of the snow in that town that morning, pictures of the car in position with a line of snow still across its bonnet, composed a complete but polite explanation of facts and ended up winning with the adjudicator, council were just intransigent. Worth doing, folks!