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.

Clear filters

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 S – v – Medway Council
(MW00034-2601)

Traffic Penalty Tribunal

Decision Date: 2026-02-26

Outcome: Dismissed

This case clarifies two important aspects relating to yellow box junctions and their enforcement:

  1. The configuration of a box junction is a matter for the council, but there is an expectation that an explanation will be provided for any deviation from the Traffic Signs Manual [opens external link].
  2. A vehicle stopping in a marked box junction, however briefly, will give rise to a contravention. The council is not obliged to show that an obstruction was caused.

The case also makes clear that only the complete failure by an authority to consider representations against a penalty charge notice would allow procedural impropriety (based on an authority failing to consider representations) to be established as a ground of appeal under the regulations.

Read adjudicator's decision in full

Mr A – v – Brighton & Hove City Council
(BH00094-2602)

Traffic Penalty Tribunal

Decision Date: 2026-02-23

Outcome: Dismissed

While boarding and alighting may be permitted on double yellow lines even when waiting and loading restrictions are in force, this case clarifies that it is for the motorist to prove that they were entitled to the benefit of the exemption – stopping only so long as necessary to allow a passenger to board or alight the vehicle. Picking up a passenger does not extend to waiting for a passenger (who is not there) to arrive.

Read adjudicator's decision in full

Mr M – v – Bradford Council
(BQ00186-2508)

Traffic Penalty Tribunal

Decision Date: 2025-09-10

Outcome: Dismissed

This case makes clear that the registered keeper of the vehicle remains liable to the council for the civil littering penalty, even if they themselves did not throw, drop or otherwise deposit the litter.

The case also covers the fact that the council must prove a person throws down, drops or otherwise deposits litter from the vehicle and leaves it on land the council has a duty to keep, so far as is practicable, clear of litter.

Read adjudicator's decision in full

Mr H – v – Nottingham City Council
(NG00056-2402)

Traffic Penalty Tribunal

Decision Date: 2024-03-13

Outcome: Dismissed

This case highlights and clarifies a number of issues:

  • Signs and lines must adequately advise the motorist of the restriction, but do not need to be in pristine condition. Substantial compliance with the regulations is sufficient, but signs must not mislead or fail to inform.
  • There is no requirement on the civil enforcement officer to record the model of the vehicle.
  • The blue badge concession does not apply when waiting restrictions are in force. When no waiting restrictions are in force, the clock must be set to the time of arrival and three hours parking time is permitted.
  • There is no right to an observation period or period of grace.
  • The 50% discount is offered to the penalty charge notice only – any further discount is at the council’s discretion.
  • The authority has a period of six months to serve the Notice to Owner.

Read adjudicator's decision in full