Penalty charge notice discretionary policy

Understanding a PCN

We might issue a PCN for parking or driving violations. Common reasons include:

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

We use a PCN to notify drivers of an alleged offence. They contain details including:

  • the contravention
  • the date, time, and location
  • the penalty charge amount
  • the payment timeline

We give out PCNs in two ways:

  1. By a Civil Enforcement Officer (CEO):
    • attached to the vehicle
    • handed to the driver if they return at the time of the contravention
  2. By post:
    • if recorded by an enforcement camera
    • if the CEO was unable to serve it directly, for example if the vehicle was driven away before the PCN could be attached

Penalty charge amounts vary depending on the contravention code. Some incidents are considered more serious than others.

For a full list of contravention codes and their descriptions, please visit the PATROL website.

After issuing a PCN, we give the recipient two main options:

  • pay the penalty charge within 14 days to receive a discounted rate
  • challenge the PCN if it is believed to be issued unfairly

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