Challenging a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)
Drivers can use eight 'statutory grounds'; to challenge a PCN. Nine if a PCN is served by post.
We will review each challenge to cancel a PCN on a case-by-case basis. We will look at all the supporting evidence and mitigating circumstances given.
The process consists of 3 stages:
1. Informal challenge
If it is believed a PCN has been issued unfairly an informal challenge may be submitted. This can be done online, or through another way as written on the PCN.
If a challenge is accepted, we cancel the PCN.
If a challenge was made within 14 days from the day of issue and the challenge is rejected:
- the recipient can pay at the discounted rate
If a challenge was made after 14 days from the day of issue and the challenge is rejected:
- the recipient must pay the full penalty charge
We have up to 56 days to respond to challenges but aim to respond within 30 working days. We will respond by email if you have provided one. Or by post if not.
2. Formal representation
If no one challenges the penalty and it is still not paid, we will send a Notice to Owner (NtO) to the vehicle's registered keeper (based on DVLA records).
If someone challenges a penalty but their challenge is rejected and they're not happy with the decision.
In both cases, at this stage only the registered keeper of a vehicle can make a formal representation in writing. They can do this:
- by email (address found on the PCN/NtO)
- by post (address found on the PCN/NtO)
- online
If the representation is accepted, we will cancel the PCN.
If rejected, we will send a Notice of Rejection (NoR), either by email or post.
3. Appeal to an independent adjudicator (Traffic Penalty Tribunal)
If a formal representation is rejected, the registered keeper has the right to appeal to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal (TPT).
We include instructions in the NoR on how to appeal. The TPT will not charge for an appeal, and their decision is final and binding to both the person appealing and to us, the Council.
At this stage, the option to pay at the discounted rate is no longer available.
If the appeal is unsuccessful, the full PCN amount will apply (or in line with the TPT's decision).
Decision-making responsibilities
Only Council officers who are authorised and fully trained can make decisions on PCNs. This makes sure everything is fair and consistent. Councillors and Council staff who aren't authorised must not be involved in reviewing or deciding the outcome of any challenges or appeals.
Challenging, making a representation, or appealing
Informal challenges, formal representations, and appeals cannot be made by telephone at any stage.
When making an appeal, challenge or representation, we can only make decisions based on the provided:
- supporting evidence
- supporting documentation
This must clearly back up the reason for the challenge.
When submitting any challenge, representation or appeal, the following details must be provided:
- the PCN number
- the vehicle registration
- your name, full postal address and email address if available
Providing supporting evidence
The types of evidence that support a case include:
- photographs
- images of a pay and display ticket
- proof of payment
- parking permit
Please provide a copy of these, not the originals.