Never assume that a council will be helpful or reasonable. There is nothing within the legislation which imposes a duty on councils to consider accepting instalments and in this case they could have done so without a huge administrative burden. Had they accepted the offer, which appeared to need time to pay until the end of January, and the motorist not paid as promised, the council could have moved straight to a charge certificate at 150% of the penalty value, so £195.
Adjudicators are not allowed by law to exercise discretion, only the council can. The adjudicator, if such a challenge had been mounted, might have found that signage was inadequate at this location which happens about 50% of the time and then the motorist wouldn't have had to pay anything so they missed a trick there.
By fighting the PCN at the tribunal the motorist has got themselves time to pay but only at the full penalty value of £130 not the £65 they offered. Somewhat usurious.
The end
Council gave her 28 days to pay the amount, so she could have paid in two instalments provided they were made within the 28 day period. That's my understanding anyway.
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