Challenge a Penalty Charge Notice
Make a representation
To challenge a PCN you need to make a representation. This forms part of a legal process. You can either make your representation online or in writing.
The registered keeper
PCNs are normally sent to the registered keeper of a vehicle as per the records of the DVLA. They may also be issued to the nominated hirer or lease of a vehicle if a valid hire agreement is provided by the registered keeper.
The person or organisation named on a PCN must make the representation, even if they were not the driver. Note:
- The registered keeper can make a representation on behalf of a third party
- We will not consider a representation from a third party unless the registered keeper provides us with written authorisation
- If you have been passed a PCN by the registered keeper and wish to challenge it, have them write in on your behalf or provide you with written authorisation to submit with your representation
- If the registered keeper is a company and you are making a representation on behalf of the company, please indicate your position and authorisation within the company when making your representation
- We will always advise the registered keeper of the outcome of any investigation
Timing your representation
You have 28 days from the date of service of the PCN to either pay the penalty or challenge the PCN by making a representation. If you pay within 14 days of the date of service, you'll receive a 50% discount.
We do not have to consider any representations received outside the 28-day period.
If you are prevented from sending us your representation within 28 days, we will use our discretion and may still consider it. You must provide supporting evidence to show what delayed you (eg proof of illness or holiday).
Once we receive your representation, the PCN will be frozen until we have investigated it and written back to you.
Representation in writing
To make your representation in writing complete the representation section of the PCN. Please remember to:
- If applicable, indicate on which ground you wish to make the representation
- Use the space provided to explain relevant details. If you need more space please attach additional sheets of paper, remembering to write the PCN number on each sheet
- Enclose supporting evidence
- Sign and date the representation
- Ensure it is received within 28 days of the date of service of the PCN
Send it to:
Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnels Charging
PO Box 653
Darlington DL1 9JA
Our response
When we have considered your representation, we will write back to you with our response. You will be sent one of 3 things:
A request for further evidence
This means that we need more evidence from you to help us consider the points raised in your representation. The PCN will remain frozen for a number of days to give you enough time to return the information requested.
If the required evidence is not received you will be issued with a notice of rejection. If the required evidence is received you will be issued with a notice of acceptance or a notice of rejection depending on whether we consider the evidence to be sufficient.
Notice of acceptance
This means you are no longer liable for the PCN. Read the notice of acceptance carefully and follow the advice given. It will explain why you received the PCN and advise you on how to avoid PCNs in future.
Notice of rejection
This means we have assessed your representation against accepted grounds and considered any mitigating circumstances, and believe you are still liable for the PCN.
Read the notice of rejection carefully and follow the advice given. We'll tell you how much you must pay and how to pay. Not paying will mean an increase in the amount you owe and enforcement action continuing.
We will tell you about your right to appeal to an independent adjudicator. We may ask you for additional information. If this is the case, then follow the advice given and return the information to us within the time stipulated.
Do not do nothing.
Grounds for representation
A representation may be made on one of six grounds. If none of these applies to your situation, you can still state the reasons why you believe you are not liable for a PCN.
Each ground for representation is defined by Parliament in the governing regulations. The information we provide about each ground, the evidence you need to provide and the circumstances that are applicable are for guidance only - they do not affect your right to make a representation.
Make a representation
To challenge a PCN you need to make a representation. This forms part of a legal process. You can either make your representation online or in writing.
The registered keeper
PCNs are normally sent to the registered keeper of a vehicle as per the records of the DVLA. They may also be issued to the nominated hirer or lease of a vehicle if a valid hire agreement is provided by the registered keeper.
The person or organisation named on a PCN must make the representation, even if they were not the driver. Note:
- The registered keeper can make a representation on behalf of a third party
- We will not consider a representation from a third party unless the registered keeper provides us with written authorisation
- If you have been passed a PCN by the registered keeper and wish to challenge it, have them write in on your behalf or provide you with written authorisation to submit with your representation
- If the registered keeper is a company and you are making a representation on behalf of the company, please indicate your position and authorisation within the company when making your representation
- We will always advise the registered keeper of the outcome of any investigation
Timing your representation
You have 28 days from the date of service of the PCN to either pay the penalty or challenge the PCN by making a representation. If you pay within 14 days of the date of service, you'll receive a 50% discount.
We do not have to consider any representations received outside the 28-day period.
If you are prevented from sending us your representation within 28 days, we will use our discretion and may still consider it. You must provide supporting evidence to show what delayed you (eg proof of illness or holiday).
Once we receive your representation, the PCN will be frozen until we have investigated it and written back to you.
Representation in writing
To make your representation in writing complete the representation section of the PCN. Please remember to:
- If applicable, indicate on which ground you wish to make the representation
- Use the space provided to explain relevant details. If you need more space please attach additional sheets of paper, remembering to write the PCN number on each sheet
- Enclose supporting evidence
- Sign and date the representation
- Ensure it is received within 28 days of the date of service of the PCN
- Send it to:
Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnels Charging
PO Box 653
Darlington DL1 9JA
Our response
When we have considered your representation, we will write back to you with our response. You will be sent one of 3 things:
A request for further evidence
This means that we need more evidence from you to help us consider the points raised in your representation. The PCN will remain frozen for a number of days to give you enough time to return the information requested.
If the required evidence is not received you will be issued with a notice of rejection. If the required evidence is received you will be issued with a notice of acceptance or a notice of rejection depending on whether we consider the evidence to be sufficient.
Notice of acceptance
This means you are no longer liable for the PCN. Read the notice of acceptance carefully and follow the advice given. It will explain why you received the PCN and advise you on how to avoid PCNs in future.
Notice of rejection
This means we have assessed your representation against accepted grounds and considered any mitigating circumstances, and believe you are still liable for the PCN.
Read the notice of rejection carefully and follow the advice given. We'll tell you how much you must pay and how to pay. Not paying will mean an increase in the amount you owe and enforcement action continuing.
We will tell you about your right to appeal to an independent adjudicator. We may ask you for additional information. If this is the case, then follow the advice given and return the information to us within the time stipulated.
Do not do nothing.
Grounds for representation
A representation may be made on one of six grounds. If none of these applies to your situation, you can still state the reasons why you believe you are not liable for a PCN.
Each ground for representation is defined by Parliament in the governing regulations. The information we provide about each ground, the evidence you need to provide and the circumstances that are applicable are for guidance only - they do not affect your right to make a representation.
