Challenging a Parking Fine
How to appeal a council parking penalty charge notice (PCN) or a private parking charge.
Overview
There are two types of parking fines: penalty charge notices (PCNs) issued by councils or their contractors for on-street and council car parks, and parking charge notices issued by private parking companies. The appeal processes are different. Council PCNs are governed by statutory procedures; private charges follow the POFA 2012 and industry codes.
Step-by-Step Process
Check the details carefully
Verify the date, time, location, vehicle registration, and contravention code. Check whether signs and markings were clear and correct. Take photos of the location, signs, road markings, and your parking position if possible.
- If any details on the PCN are wrong (e.g., incorrect registration), this may be grounds for cancellation
- Check whether the restriction was actually in force at the time
Make an informal challenge (council PCN)
For council PCNs, you can make an informal challenge within 14 days to keep the 50% discount. Write to the council explaining why you believe the PCN was incorrectly issued. Common grounds: unclear signs, genuine emergency, broken pay machine, valid permit displayed.
- If the informal challenge is rejected, you can still make a formal representation
- The 14-day discount period is paused while an informal challenge is considered
Make a formal representation
If the informal challenge is rejected or you receive a Notice to Owner, you have 28 days to make a formal representation. Statutory grounds include: you were not the owner, the contravention did not occur, procedural defects, or mitigating circumstances.
- Keep copies of all correspondence
- Include all evidence: photos, receipts, witness statements
Appeal to the tribunal
If your formal representation is rejected, you can appeal to the independent Traffic Penalty Tribunal (outside London) or London Tribunals. This is free and can be done online, by phone, or in person. The tribunal's decision is binding on the council.
- The appeal is free — there is nothing to lose by appealing
- Around 50% of appeals are successful
- You do not need to pay the charge while appealing
Costs
Important Warnings
Do not ignore a council PCN — it can be enforced as a debt through the Traffic Enforcement Centre.
For private parking charges, check whether the company is a member of the BPA or IPC. If not, the charge may be unenforceable.
Never admit liability if you intend to challenge — simply state the facts in your representations.