Challenging on-street parking Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs)

There are 2 types of challenge you can make for an on-street parking PCN. These are called informal and formal challenges. 

You can start an informal or formal challenge at challenge a PCN and follow the guidance there.  

Informal challenge 

You can make an informal challenge to an on-street parking PCN within 28 days of having the ticket put on your vehicle. 

If the Civil Enforcement Officer is unable to put the ticket on the vehicle the PCN can be issued by post. You can only make a formal challenge by PCNs issued by post.  

If you challenge the PCN we’ll put your case on hold while we investigate. The fee will not increase during this time.  

Formal challenge 

If your informal challenge is rejected, you’ll need to wait for the Notice to Owner document to make a formal challenge. This is usually issued within 28 days of receiving your rejection email or letter. 

Not paying or challenging within the first 28 days 

If you have not paid or challenged a PCN within 28 days of receiving a ticket, you can no longer make an informal challenge. You will receive a Notice to Owner document and you must either pay the PCN or make a formal challenge. 

The registered keeper (the person who owns the vehicle) will need to challenge the PCN within 28 days from when this notice was issued.   

Officer was unable to put a ticket on the vehicle 

If the Civil Enforcement Officer could not put a ticket on the vehicle, for example if it drives off before they were able to, the registered keeper of the vehicle will be sent a PCN in the post. 

They will need to make a formal challenge within 28 days from when the notice was issued. 

What happens if my formal challenge is rejected 

If a formal challenge is rejected, you can make an appeal through an independent tribunal. You will need the verification code provided in your formal rejection letter.