AN INDEPENDENT adjudicator says he has received so many appeals against fines for driving along York’s Coppergate that he is going to visit the site to see the controversial signs for himself.

Stephen Knapp, of the Traffic Penalty Tribunal, has also asked City of York Council a series of questions about fines, signs and road markings in the street.

News of the visit was given to a York motorist who appealed against four penalty charges notices (pcns).

Mr Knapp wrote to him saying the appeal was one of a number relating to Coppergate, and because of the volume he had decided to visit to view the signs before making decisons.

  • In the meantime, he asked the council:
  • How many PCNs have been issued and how many cancelled, and what criteria was used to decide whether or not to contest an appeal?
  • Did the Department for Transport approve an ‘exception plate’ sign, and was any thought given to making the lettering on the plate larger or on a backing board, so it would be more easily read from a moving vehicle?
  • Why was it decided not to use cariageway markings in conjunction with the signs, even though DfT guidance suggested such marking was the most easily visible?
  • Was consideration given to the difficulty that might be caused by locating the signing immediately in front of a pedestrian crossing point?

The Press reported in November that the Tribunal had granted a motorist’s appeal after he had argued signs warning of bus lane restrictions were inadequate. Earlier this month, it emerged that the tribunal had upheld another 12 appeals.

Tony Clarke, head of transport at the council, said the council would ensure the adjudicator was provided with all the information required.