Contesting Parking Charge Notices

At Contestor Legal, our expert motoring law team specialise in contesting Parking Charge Notices (PCNs), providing tailored legal advice to challenge unfair or invalid tickets effectively. Whether issued by a local council or a private parking company, we guide you through the appeals process to protect your rights and avoid unnecessary penalties.

Understanding Parking Charge Notices

Parking Charge Notices can be issued by councils (Penalty Charge Notices or Excess Charge Notices) for violations on public land or by private companies (Parking Charge Notices) for breaches of terms on private land, such as supermarket car parks. Knowing the issuer and type of notice is crucial, as the appeal process differs. Our team helps you identify the correct procedure and build a robust case.

Grounds for Contesting a PCN

You can challenge a PCN if:

- The parking rules were not breached (e.g., you paid correctly or were within the time limit).

- Signage was unclear, missing, or misleading.

- The ticket contains errors (e.g., incorrect vehicle registration or location).

- The parking machine was faulty, and no alternative payment method was available.

- Mitigating circumstances apply, such as a medical emergency or delayed hospital appointment.

- The notice was issued unfairly, such as late delivery beyond legal timeframes (e.g., over 7 months without referencing the Protection of Freedoms Act).

Our team will assess your case to determine the strongest grounds for appeal, gathering evidence like photographs of unclear signs or witness statements to support your claim.

The Appeals Process for Council-Issued PCNs

1. Informal Appeal: Submit a challenge within 14 days to the issuing council, explaining why the ticket is invalid. Include evidence like photos or receipts. Paying early may secure a 50% discount but prevents further appeals.

2. Formal Appeal: If the informal appeal is rejected, you’ll receive a Notice to Owner. You have 28 days to make a formal appeal. We can draft a compelling appeal letter to maximise your chances.

3. Independent Tribunal: If the formal appeal fails, you can appeal to an independent adjudicator (e.g., the Traffic Penalty Tribunal in England). This is free, and our team can represent you to present a strong case.

The Appeals Process for Private Parking Charge Notices

1. Initial Appeal: Check if the issuer is a member of an accredited trade association like the British Parking Association (BPA) or International Parking Community (IPC). If the company is not an ATA member, avoid contact unless they write to you first, as they may not legally access your details.

2. Independent Appeals: If rejected, appeal to POPLA (for BPA members) or the Independent Appeals Service (for IPC members). We ensure your appeal includes all necessary evidence to challenge the notice effectively.

3. Court Action: If the appeal fails, the company may pursue court action. Our solicitors can defend you, arguing technicalities like non-compliance with BPA/IPC codes or unfair terms.

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Contesting Parking Charge Notices

Understanding Parking Charge Notices

Grounds for Contesting a PCN

The Appeals Process for Council-Issued PCNs

The Appeals Process for Private Parking Charge Notices

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