I just got a PCN for finding myself in a bus lane zone in an unfamiliar town. Even though as soon as I realised my mistake I turned around as soon as I was able to do so, I still got a ticket. Genuine mistake, but they have me bang to rights with all the camera evidence. I did fall victim to this years ago near St.Pancreas station as well.
I'll be paying up as I can't see any grounds for appeal. Basically I should have been paying more attention and I hold my hands up as it was my own silly fault.
I was thinking that it would be a nice touch if councils could perhaps give a courtesy first offence let off in these cases. They can see from the vehicle details that I'm not local and must know it was a genuine mistake. Good revenue raiser though I suspect and it would cost them to be lenient with first offenders. Oh well, I realise ignorance is no defence in law and so have to write it off as a 30quid lesson learnt
I would send a letter to the council saying you were lost in an unfamiliar town and apologies but it won't happen again. I think most councils DO let the first offence go, at least Brighton & Hove do.