Information about parking fines

Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs)

A Civil Enforcement Officer may issue a PCN by placing it on the vehicle or handing it to the driver. If the driver leaves before the PCN can be served or if the contravention is detected by camera, the PCN may be sent by post.

Common reasons a PCN may be issued include:

  • parking on yellow lines or where waiting or loading restrictions apply
  • parking without a valid ticket or staying longer than permitted
  • returning to the same parking bay within a restricted time
  • parking in a bay, permit holder bay, taxi rank, or loading bay without authorisation
  • parking at a bus stop during restricted hours
  • parking outside a marked bay

Paying for a PCN

Important: we will never request PCN payment by text message. Do not respond to any text requesting payment.

When a PCN is issued, the charge is usually reduced by 50% if payment is made within 14 days of the date the PCN was served (or the date of the notice if sent by post).

Pay online

You can view details of your PCN and make a payment online for a PCN.

Pay by telephone

You can pay by using our automated telephone system on 01702 215003. Select option 2, then option 1. You will need your PCN number and payment card details.

Pay by post

You can pay by cheque or postal order, payable to Southend-on-Sea City Council, and send it to:

Traffic Management and Parking
Southend-on-Sea City Council
Civic Centre
Victoria Avenue
Southend-on-Sea
SS2 6ER

If paying by cheque or postal order:

  • write your PCN number on the back
  • do not send cash
  • do not send post-dated cheques
  • allow at least 2 working days for first class post or 5 working days for second class post

Challenging a PCN

1. Informal challenge (for PCNs placed on a vehicle)

If you believe the PCN was issued incorrectly, you can submit an informal challenge.

Each case is assessed on its own merits. An informal challenge can be made within 28 days of the PCN being issued. Once submitted, the case is placed on hold while it is reviewed and the charge will not increase during this period.

  • if the challenge is accepted, the PCN will be cancelled.
  • if the challenge is rejected, you will be given the opportunity to pay the PCN at the discounted rate if the challenge was received within 14 days. If payment is not made, a Notice to Owner will then be issued to the registered keeper.

2. Formal representation

If a PCN remains unpaid after a challenge is rejected, or if no challenge is made within 28 days, a Notice to Owner will be sent to the registered keeper.

The Notice to Owner gives the registered keeper the choice to pay the PCN within 28 days or make a formal representation explaining why the PCN should be cancelled.

  • if the formal representation is accepted, the PCN will be cancelled.
  • if the formal representation is rejected, a Notice of Rejection letter will be sent, giving the opportunity to make the outstanding payment or appeal to an independent adjudicator.

3. Appealing to the independent adjudicator

If a formal representation is rejected, the registered keeper may appeal to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal, which is independent of the council.

Appeals must be submitted within the time limits stated in the rejection notice, using the verification code provided. The adjudicator will review evidence from the registered keeper and from the council. The decision is legally binding.

  • if the appeal is accepted, the PCN will be cancelled
  • if the appeal is refused, the full charge becomes payable. If payment is not made, the case will return to the statutory enforcement process

Charge Certificate

If the PCN is not paid or challenged, a Charge Certificate may be issued. This increases the charge by 50%.

At this stage, the charge cannot be challenged or appealed. The increased amount must be paid within 14 days. If it remains unpaid, the council may register the debt with the Traffic Enforcement Centre.

Order for Recovery

If the Charge Certificate remains unpaid, the council may register the debt with the Traffic Enforcement Centre. A court fee will be added and an Order for Recovery issued to the registered keeper.

The registered keeper may pay the outstanding amount within 21 days or submit a Witness Statement or Statutory Declaration, but only in limited circumstances such as not receiving earlier notices or having already paid the charge.

The Witness Statement or Statutory Declaration does not allow the PCN itself to be challenged, only the legal process.

PCNs referred to enforcement agents (bailiffs)

If a PCN remains unpaid, the council apply for a warrant of control through the Traffic Enforcement Centre (TEC). A warrant of control is then issued, allowing enforcement agents (bailiffs) to recover the debt.

Once a case has been passed to enforcement agents, the registered keeper must contact the enforcement company directly using the details provided in their correspondence.

At this stage, the outstanding payment is to be made through the enforcement agents handling the case. The council is unable to accept payment directly once enforcement has commenced.

If earlier statutory notices were not received, the registered keeper may be able to submit an Out of Time Witness Statement. In urgent cases, a Stay of Execution may be requested to temporarily pause enforcement.

It is important not to ignore enforcement action, as additional fees may be applied. Independent advice is available from Citizens Advice or National Debtline.

Bailiff conduct and complaints

We expect all enforcement agents to act professionally and fairly.

If you have concerns about a bailiff's conduct, please contact the enforcement company to follow their complaints process:

Marston Group

Newlyn Plc

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