Parking — Council / PCN
A Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) issued by a council or local authority is a formal civil penalty — not a private invoice. You have clearly defined rights to challenge it at multiple stages.
The law that applies
Traffic Management Act 2004
The primary legislation governing civil enforcement of parking contraventions. Gives councils powers and sets the appeals framework.
Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984
Governs waiting and loading restrictions, yellow lines, and controlled parking zones.
The process — step by step
Informal representation within 28 days
Write to the council challenging the PCN. This is the formal 'informal representation' stage. Fight My Corner drafts your challenge citing the specific grounds.
Formal representation (if informal rejected)
If your informal representation is rejected, you receive a Notice to Owner. You then have 28 days to make formal representations.
Independent tribunal
If formal representations are rejected, appeal to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal (England, outside London) or London Tribunals. This is free, independent, and binding on the council.
Escalation path
Traffic Penalty Tribunal (England outside London) or London Tribunals
The Traffic Penalty Tribunal is a free, independent adjudicator. Councils cannot ignore tribunal decisions. Appeals are heard on their merits — not just technicalities.
Important warnings
Paying the PCN within 14 days normally gives you a 50% discount — but payment waives your right to challenge.
Appealing pauses the discount period. If your challenge fails, you generally still get to pay the reduced amount.
Do not ignore a PCN — unpaid charges escalate to a charge certificate and then court enforcement.
What Fight My Corner covers for this dispute
What's included
- Informal representation to the issuing council
- Formal representation following a Notice to Owner
- Preparation for independent tribunal appeal
What's not included
- Criminal traffic offences
- Fixed penalty notices issued by police
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Legal disclaimer · Fight My Corner provides letter generation tools, not legal advice.