How to Appeal a London PCN
Got a Penalty Charge Notice? Don't just pay it. Here's how to challenge it — step by step, with reliable links to official appeal portals.
According to data from London boroughs, between 50–65% of formal challenges to parking PCNs result in the charge being cancelled or reduced. Many people pay without challenging even when they have a valid case. Always consider appealing before paying.
Illegal parking, overstaying, suspended bay, loading bay violation. Reduced by 50% if paid within 14 days.
Driving in a bus lane during restricted hours, stopping in a yellow box junction. Camera-based enforcement.
Driving in the CCZ during charging hours without paying. Camera-based ANPR enforcement. Reduced to £80 within 14 days.
Driving a non-compliant vehicle anywhere in Greater London without paying. Reduced to £80 within 14 days.
Crossing the Dartford Crossing without paying the toll. Reduced to £35 within 14 days.
Turning where prohibited, driving through no-entry, using a banned street. Increasingly common in London.
You'll receive the PCN either on the vehicle (physical notice) or by post (for camera-enforced penalties like bus lanes, ULEZ, CCZ). Note the date it was issued — your deadlines run from this date.
Review the circumstances. Do you have valid grounds to challenge? (See grounds below.) If not, pay within 14 days for the 50% reduction. If you have grounds, proceed to the informal challenge.
⏰ 14 days for reduced paymentWrite to the issuing authority explaining why you believe the PCN was incorrectly issued. This is done in writing — by letter or via the authority's online portal. The 50% discount window is suspended while a challenge is under review.
⏰ Within 28 days of the PCNThe authority will either: cancel the PCN, offer a reduced payment, or reject your challenge. If rejected, you'll receive a "Notice to Owner" (if not yet received) or a "Rejection of Representations" letter. Do not ignore this.
If your informal challenge is rejected and you still believe it was incorrectly issued, you can appeal to an independent adjudicator: PATAS (Parking and Traffic Appeals Service) for London parking/traffic PCNs. This is free to use and the adjudicator is independent of the council.
⏰ 28 days from rejection noticeThe adjudicator's decision is binding. If they find in your favour, the PCN is cancelled. If they find against you, you must pay the full amount promptly. At this stage, you have no further appeal options.
Not every situation is appealable — but these are the most commonly successful grounds:
For the vast majority of cases, you should appeal directly through the official issuing authority's own portal — it's free, fast, and the most direct route. Below are the verified links for every common London PCN type.
Transport for London handles all Congestion Charge, ULEZ and TfL-issued bus lane penalties. Challenge online using your PCN reference number — TfL typically acknowledges within 2–3 working days. The 50% early payment discount is paused while your challenge is under review.
Challenge a TfL PCN — tfl.gov.ukParking PCNs issued by a London borough council are challenged directly through that borough's own portal. Each council has its own online system — you'll find the appeal link on the back of your PCN, or search "[borough name] PCN appeal" on GOV.UK. Common London boroughs with online portals: Westminster, Lambeth, Southwark, Islington, Hackney, Camden.
Appeal a parking fine — GOV.UKChallenge Dart Charge Penalty Charge Notices through the official National Highways appeal portal. You'll need your PCN reference number and vehicle registration. Most successful appeals involve proof of payment — keep all Dart Charge payment confirmations.
Challenge a Dart Charge PCN — GOV.UKThe Parking and Traffic Appeals Service (now part of London Tribunals) is the independent body that hears formal PCN appeals for London — used only after an informal challenge has been rejected. Their service is completely free and their decision is binding on the council or TfL.
London Tribunals (PATAS) — londontribunals.gov.ukCitizens Advice provides completely free, impartial guidance on PCN appeals. Their online advice covers your rights, how to write a challenge, and what to do if your appeal is rejected. Highly recommended if you're unsure whether you have valid grounds before committing to an appeal.
Free parking appeal guidance — Citizens AdviceTo challenge a ULEZ PCN from TfL, use TfL's online portal at tfl.gov.uk. The most common successful grounds are: your vehicle was ULEZ compliant but TfL's database was incorrect (provide your V5C and emission certificate), you paid but payment wasn't recorded (provide receipt), or your vehicle is exempt but wasn't registered as such.
Challenge via tfl.gov.uk/congestion-charge. If you believe you paid but the payment didn't register, always keep your payment confirmation email or app receipt — this is your primary evidence. TfL will check their records and cancel the PCN if payment is confirmed.
Challenge via dartchargeappeals.co.uk. The most common successful ground is proof of payment — always save your Dart Charge payment confirmation. National Highways is generally reasonable when confronted with payment evidence.
JamCams.co.uk is not a law firm and this page does not constitute legal advice. This guidance is for general information only. For complex or high-value cases, always seek professional legal advice. PCN regulations and appeal processes may change — always verify the current process with the issuing authority.