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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.

28-day appeal window

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

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

Possible next steps

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.

This is general guidance only. Whether an external scheme applies depends on the company, its membership, the complaint stage, and verified case facts. Fight My Corner does not currently start an external route.

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 dispute guidance, not legal advice.