From April 1 2008, civil enforcement officers (formerly known as traffic wardens) will be able to use CCTV video filming to enforce parking restrictions where it is considered impractical for traffic wardens to issue tickets in person, eg in high speed traffic lanes.

The CEOs will be able to issue penalty charge notices (PEN) without putting tickets on windscreens to discourage drivers from speeding off to avoid a fine.

A big drawback to such a scheme is that the suspected offender loses the opportunity to challenge the evidence at the time.

A new Traffic Penalty Tribunal has been set up to replace the old National Parking Adjudication Service.

Time will tell if it is a better system.

It is claimed that 60% of appeals are successful.

The new appeal service will be able to allow an appeal if the council hasn’t followed correct procedure and to refer the case back to the council if it hasn’t taken proper account of compelling reasons.

In a recent article on MSN, the chief adjudicator, Caroline Sheppard gave the following advice

1. Keep parking tickets
Evidence is crucial to the success of an appeal. Keep your parking tickets in your glove compartment for a few months' in case you need to produce them for an appeal.

2. Keep receipts
If you are making a delivery, keep the receipt with the address of the delivery location (so that it can be cross-checked with the location stated on the PCN).

3. Make a note
If you see a civil enforcement officer by your vehicle, make a note of the time and location so that if you get a ticket in the post you are more likely remember the incident to which it refers.

4. A picture tells a thousand words
Make sure your photograph identifies the site, and if possible, is dated and timed.

5. Keep the originals safe
If you are sending in evidence by post, make sure you make and send copies and keep the original documents and tickets safe.

6. State your case and stick to the facts
When making a challenge or appeal, put your point in writing and state your case clearly and simply. It does not add anything to your case to make rude or personal remarks - stick to the facts.

Lawgistics would add an extra one.

Don’t sit on paperwork when it comes through. There are generally time limits so deal with it straightaway. It will save problems in the long run.

Visit www.lawgistics.co.uk or call 0870 26 77 118 for more information.