Appeal against a penalty charge notice

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How to appeal a penalty charge notice

You may be able to appeal to an independent tribunal against a penalty charge notice (PCN) if you think it’s wrong.

This includes any PCN issued in England or Wales for:

  • parking
  • breaking traffic rules while moving (‘moving traffic contraventions’), for example driving in a bus lane when you should not
  • not paying the Dartford Crossing, London congestion or low emissions zone charge on time

There are different ways to appeal in Scotland and appeal in Northern Ireland.

Before you can appeal, you must make a formal challenge (called a ‘representation’).

When to appeal

You must wait to find out the outcome of your formal challenge. If it’s rejected, you’ll get a ‘notice of rejection’ in the post.  

After you’ve received the notice, you have 28 days to make an appeal.

How to appeal

Find out how to appeal to:

If your appeal is successful the PCN will be cancelled and you will not have to pay anything.