How to challenge a penalty charge notice

You can find the reasons for challenging a PCN on the Traffic Penalty Tribunal website.

We will issue a penalty charge notice (PCN) to any motorist who does not comply with the relevant parking or moving traffic (Bus lanes) regulations.

If you challenge a PCN within the 14 day reduced rate period and we reject your challenge, we may extend the period within which the reduced rate penalty charge can be paid.

You can’t appeal a PCN if you have paid it because payment is taken to be an acceptance of the notice.

There are two stages of challenge – informal and formal representation for parking contraventions:

• an informal challenge is made when a PCN has been attached to your vehicle and before we issue a ‘Notice to Owner’ letter
• a formal representation is made after a ‘Notice to Owner’ letter has been sent to you.

There is then an independent tribunal.

Any Bus lane challenge will start at the formal stage.

Use our online system to make an informal challenge. You’ll need to enter the PCN number and your vehicle registration number. You’ll then be able to view the photographs taken of the vehicle and make an appeal.

You should clearly state the reason you want to challenge the notice and supply any evidence you have to support you. If the challenge is received in the reduced rate period, this will be held and may be extended until after the challenge is considered.

You cannot use the informal challenge after a notice to owner has been sent or for a bus lane penalty charge notice, you must start at the formal stage.

If you have received a Notice to Owner letter from us you will need to make a formal representation. Please enter the PCN number, registration number and web code found on the notice onto our online system. You’ll then be able to view photographs or video associated with this appeal which will help you make your formal challenge.

You should clearly state the reason you want to place a formal representation against the notice and supply any evidence you have to support you.

You can also  make an informal challenge or formal representation by writing to us. We do not accept verbal challenges.

You should clearly state the reason you want to challenge the fine and supply any evidence you have to support you.

If your formal representation is rejected we’ll send you a notice of rejection with information on the independent appeals procedure.

This independent appeal will be dealt with by the Traffic Penalty Tribunal, an independent body who will make a final decision that is then binding. There is no cost for using this service.

You can find the reasons for challenging a PCN on the Traffic Penalty Tribunal website.