Challenge a Penalty Charge Notice

See on which grounds you can make a representation.

If you think the PCN has been issued incorrectly, you can challenge it by making a representation online or in writing.

Online service

To make a representation online, you will need to provide:

• Your PCN number
• Your Vehicle Registration Mark
• Reasons why you think you should not have been issued with a PCN

In writing

To make a representation in writing, complete the representation section provided as part of the PCN:

• If it applies, indicate on which ground you want to make the representation
• Add any details in the space provided (if you need more space attach a separate sheet with the PCN number written on each extra sheet)
• Enclose any supporting evidence
• Sign and date the representation

Send the representation to:

Red routes
PO Box 335
Darlington DL1 9PU

You may also choose to call us.

Phone: 0343 222 3333 (call charges may apply)
Lines are open 08:00-20:00 Monday to Friday, closed on weekends and bank holidays.

The registered keeper

The PCN is normally sent to the registered keeper of the vehicle as recorded by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

PCNs may also be issued to the nominated hirer/lessee of the vehicle if a valid hire agreement is provided by the registered keeper.

The person or organisation named on the PCN must make the representation, even if they were not the driver.

• The registered keeper can make a representation on behalf of a third party
• However, we will NOT consider a representation from a third party unless the registered keeper provides us with written authorisation. So if the PCN has been passed to you by the registered keeper and you wish to challenge the PCN, get them to write in on your behalf or provide you with written authorisation to include with your representation
• We will always advise the registered keeper of the outcome of any investigation
• If the registered keeper is a company and you are making a representation on behalf of the company, indicate your position and authorisation within the company when making your representation

Timing your representation

Follow the instructions on the PCN. Our summary of the timescales involved may help you:

For bus lanes, box junctions, banned turns and parking (CCTV) PCNs
Within 28 days of receiving your PCN.

If you make a representation outside of the 28-day PCN service period, it will be considered as 'late' and we do not have to consider late representations. If your representation is late,  make sure that you provide evidence to outline why your representation is late.

Forgetting to make a representation is not a valid reason but if you were prevented from making the representation due to illness or a holiday then enclose proof of these circumstances and it may be considered.

For parking, if you were issued with a PCN on-street
You may make a representation for this type of contravention (also referred to as a challenge) immediately upon receiving the PCN. If we do not hear from you within 28 days of the PCN being issued, we will send you a Notice to Owner (NtO) in the post. This will provide details of how you may then make a formal representation and the timescales involved.

If you believe you were issued with an on-street PCN but are not in possession of it, you may still contact us but please provide as much information as possible when doing so.

If we receive your representation within the discount period the PCN will be suspended. If we don't agree with your representation and you decide to pay the PCN, then the discount period will resume from the point at which it was suspended.

If we accept your representation, we will send you written confirmation that you are no longer liable for the PCN.

If we reject your representation, we will send you a notice of rejection which will tell you what you should do next. Your two options will be:

• Pay a PCN now
• Appeal to London Tribunals

If we need more evidence, we will try to contact you in writing to let you know what we need.

If you haven't paid, contacted us or if you haven't responded to the notice of rejection then you'll receive a charge certificate. The charge associated with the PCN then increases to £240.

If you don't pay within another 14 days, we'll send you an Order for Recovery which further increases the charge.

Making an appeal to London Tribunals

You can lodge an appeal with London Tribunals within 28 days of receiving a notice of rejection from us.

Complete the form that comes with the notice of rejection. Provide all the evidence you feel will support your case and send this directly to London Tribunals:

London Tribunals
PO Box 10598
Nottingham
NG6 6DR

London Tribunals will notify you and us of the hearing date. We will also receive a copy of your appeal. It is then our responsibility to either contest your appeal or decide not to contest it.

If we contest your appeal we will provide you a copy of our evidence and submission we send to the adjudicators. They will consider this and your evidence when reaching their decision.

If an Adjudicator at London Tribunals allows your appeal, we will promptly cancel the PCN. If your appeal is not allowed and you do not pay, we will continue to enforce. You will normally receive a charge certificate as a result.

Order for recovery

The order for recovery increases the charge by £9 to £249 (this covers the cost of registering the debt with the county court) and it also includes a statutory declaration/witness statement. Follow the guidance which is enclosed when you receive the statutory declaration/witness statement as this will explain what it is and the circumstances which apply to its use.

You have up to 21 days to respond to the order for recovery which is your last opportunity to either pay or file a statutory declaration/witness statement. If you do nothing at this point a warrant will be issued to bailiffs to recover the outstanding amount.