Find Key Cases
Browse key cases using the filter for either ‘Contravention type’ OR ‘Issue’. Alternatively, use the ‘Search…’ box to find cases through a custom query.
Cases on the site currently cover parking, bus lane, moving traffic and road user charging, including the London Congestion Charge and Clean Air Zones (outside London). More cases and contravention types will be added in due course.
Please note: All adjudicator decisions included on this website are in the public domain. While they have been curated together here for the convenience and interest of users, any information contained within the decisions remains the responsibility of the original adjudicating body. Any questions relating to the content of cases should also be directed to the adjudicating body.
Mr P – v – Bradford Council
(DY00313-2502)
Traffic Penalty Tribunal
Decision Date: 2025-03-05
Outcome: Dismissed
This case clarifies that it is the DVLA registered keeper of the vehicle (who may not be the owner) at the time of the contravention who remains liable to the charging authority for the Clean Air Zone charge and penalty.
Mr S – v- Cardiff County Council
(QC00236-2409)
Traffic Penalty Tribunal
Decision Date: 2024-10-28
Outcome: Dismissed
This case clarifies that the relevant traffic regulations apply to the motorist, even if they cannot read or understand English. It is incumbent on the motorist to observe and comply with lawfully marked restrictions. A failure to understand them, or a lack of knowledge, cannot amount to a ground of appeal.
Mr A – v – Nottingham City Council
(NG00397-2310)
Traffic Penalty Tribunal
Decision Date: 2023-11-29
Outcome: Dismissed
This case clarifies that it is the owner of the vehicle who is liable for a bus lane contravention, even if not the driver at the time. The registered keeper listed at the Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) (opens in new tab) is the starting point for establishing ownership of a vehicle.
Mr K – v – Portsmouth City Council
(PO00021-2305)
Traffic Penalty Tribunal
Decision Date: 2023-06-23
Outcome: Dismissed
This case clarifies that under the statutory civil enforcement scheme, the owner of the vehicle remains liable for penalty charge, even if the vehicle was in the care of a third party.
The adjudicator’s decision in this case was confirmed in the High Court in:
R v the Parking Adjudicator ex parte The Mayor and Burgesses of the London Borough of Wandsworth QBCOF 96/1153/D (opens in new tab).
This decision is therefore binding on adjudicators, meaning they must apply the principle to the facts of any relevant case.
Mr S – v – Birmingham City Council
(KW02338-2306)
Traffic Penalty Tribunal
Decision Date: 2023-06-21
Outcome: Dismissed
This case clarifies that a vehicle hire agreement must include a statement of liability for civil penalties in order for the liability for the penalty charge to be transferred from the owner to the hirer when using a vehicle in a Clean Air Zone, or otherwise.
English (UK) 
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