On Hounslow's website there is an old Word document entitled "Parking and Traffic Enforcement Policy", which seems to date from 2010 and is out of date in several respects. I haven't found a more recent edition. It states that a code 05 contravention needs 3 minutes' observation. The London Councils' Civil Enforcement Handbook also states that an 05 contravention needs an observation period, but it leaves individual councils to fix those periods.Whether the civil enforcement officer saw you arrive or not, at the time he issued the PCN, you were parked without having paid, so the precise timeline of events is crucial. It will be interesting to find out if in fact you had paid by phone before the CEO had finished taking photos of the scene.I am pretty sure that Hounslow will cancel the PCN, though it might take two challenges to make them see sense. If you would like me to support you further, please send me the PCN number (NJ........) and your car number to the address that Loraine quoted.
Richard Jennings ● 1582d