Penalty Charge Notices

Appeal against parking tickets

You can challenge the issue of a parking ticket (also known as Penalty Charge Notice or PCN).

If your challenge is unsuccessful, you may have a chance to pay your ticket at a discounted rate or make a formal representation.

If the formal representation is unsuccessful, you may have to pay the full charges or bring the case to the independent adjudicator at Parking and Traffic Appeals Service (PATAS).  

To challenge the issue of a parking ticket

• You must write to us within 14 days of the ticket's issue date.
• Include the parking ticket number or vehicle registration number in your letter/email/fax.
• We will put your PCN on hold until we have made a decision about your case.

What to do if your challenge is unsuccessful

1. You may be able to pay your PCN at a discount; or
2. You can make a formal representation through this way:

• Write to us only after you have received a Notice to Owner (or an Enforcement Notice for a bus lane PCN).
• The Notice allows you to make formal representations against PCN.
  

What to do if your formal representation is unsuccessful

1. You may have to pay the full charges for your PCN; or
2. You can bring the case to PATAS as follows:

• When you receive a letter rejecting your formal representation, it will be accompanied by an appeals form.
• Use the appeals form to bring the case to the independent adjudicator at PATAS.

The adjudicator is independent of the council and his decision is legally binding on you and the council.

For more information see the London Council's leaflet "Understanding Parking Penalties" on external links below.