What does 'decision point' mean?

The decision point is the last location at which a driver could have chosen to avoid the restriction — for example, the last junction before a bus lane, or the entry to a yellow box. Signs must be visible at or before the decision point, not merely present somewhere in the area.

Can I use Google Street View as evidence?

Yes, Google Street View is admissible as supporting evidence. Check the capture date of the Street View image — if it predates your contravention and shows no sign, or a non-compliant sign, include a screenshot with the date visible. If the image postdates your contravention, note this but it may still support your account.

Do all signs need to conform to the TSRGD diagrams exactly?

Yes — traffic signs must conform to prescribed diagrams in TSRGD 2016. Minor deviations that do not affect legibility may be overlooked by adjudicators, but substantive non-compliance (missing operational hours, wrong legend, incorrect dimensions) is a valid ground.

The sign was there when I checked later — does that defeat my appeal?

Not necessarily. You need to show signage was inadequate at the time of the alleged contravention. Google Street View, witness evidence, or photographic evidence from around the relevant date is useful. New signs erected after a contravention are the council's problem to explain.

Inadequate Signage — Traffic Restriction

By GetRighted Legal Research TeamLast updated July 2026

Summary

Civil enforcement of traffic contraventions under the Traffic Management Act 2004 depends entirely on compliant signage under the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016. Signs must conform to prescribed diagrams, be visible to a driver of ordinary intelligence at the decision point, and be present at the moment of the contravention. Vine v Waltham Forest LBC [2000] 1 WLR 2383 established that signs must be visible to drivers, not merely present. Published appeal data shows approximately 65% success where TSRGD non-compliance is documented.

Legal Basis
Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 (SI 2016/362): all traffic signs must conform to prescribed diagrams. Non-compliant signs have no legal effect. Traffic Management Act 2004, Part 6: civil enforcement applies only to contraventions where the restriction was properly indicated. Vine v Waltham Forest LBC [2000] 1 WLR 2383: 'Signs must be visible to drivers of ordinary intelligence.'

When This Defense Applies

This defense applies where: the restriction sign was absent at the decision point (the last point at which you could have turned to avoid the restriction); the sign was present but obscured by another sign, foliage, or parked vehicles; the sign did not conform to the TSRGD 2016 prescribed diagrams (wrong size, missing elements, wrong colours); a recently changed restriction had inadequate new signage. For bus lane enforcement, check both the operational hours on the sign and whether your vehicle class was excluded.

Evidence Required

Gather at the scene or from available sources:

Photos of restriction signage at the point of the alleged contravention
Photos showing the driver's view approaching the restriction from the decision point
Google Street View screenshots showing signage state at or near the date
Measurement or estimate of distance between last visible sign and the restriction

Win Rate

Approximately 65% success at Traffic Penalty Tribunal (outside London) and PATAS (London) where TSRGD non-compliance is documented with photographic evidence. The council must prove signage was compliant — the burden is on them.

Operator-Specific Patterns

Westminster City Council: Heavy bus lane enforcement on key corridors. Check for recently changed restrictions with inadequate new signage, and for signs obscured by other council signage clusters. Manchester City Council: Moving traffic camera enforcement — check signage at the decision point, not just at the camera location.

Sources

Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 (SI 2016/362)
Traffic Management Act 2004, Part 6
Vine v Waltham Forest LBC [2000] 1 WLR 2383

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'decision point' mean?: The decision point is the last location at which a driver could have chosen to avoid the restriction — for example, the last junction before a bus lane, or the entry to a yellow box. Signs must be visible at or before the decision point, not merely present somewhere in the area.
Can I use Google Street View as evidence?: Yes, Google Street View is admissible as supporting evidence. Check the capture date of the Street View image — if it predates your contravention and shows no sign, or a non-compliant sign, include a screenshot with the date visible. If the image postdates your contravention, note this but it may still support your account.
Do all signs need to conform to the TSRGD diagrams exactly?: Yes — traffic signs must conform to prescribed diagrams in TSRGD 2016. Minor deviations that do not affect legibility may be overlooked by adjudicators, but substantive non-compliance (missing operational hours, wrong legend, incorrect dimensions) is a valid ground.
The sign was there when I checked later — does that defeat my appeal?: Not necessarily. You need to show signage was inadequate at the time of the alleged contravention. Google Street View, witness evidence, or photographic evidence from around the relevant date is useful. New signs erected after a contravention are the council's problem to explain.

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Inadequate Signage — Traffic Restriction

When This Defense Applies

Evidence Required

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

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