Scam Alert - Texts about Parking Fines
We have been alerted that some drivers have received texts claiming to be about Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs). Please be aware we do not contact drivers by text. You can pay your fine online - this is the correct link to the online payments system - ParkingUK.
Challenge or Representation online form for a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
Challenging a PCN
If you believe a PCN has been issued incorrectly you can challenge it in writing within 28 days of its issue. Details of how to challenge the PCN can be found on the reverse of the notice.
If your challenge is sent within 14 days of the PCN issue date, the 50% discount amount will remain while we consider your challenge. If your challenge is unsuccessful and the council upholds the PCN, you will be given the opportunity to pay the discounted rate as long as it is received within 14 days of the date of our letter of reply.
If your challenge is sent between 15 and 28 days after the PCN issue date the full penalty charge will apply.
If you have received a Penalty Charge Notice in the post (for a Bus Lane, Camera Car or Vehicle Drive Away PCN) this is classed as a Notice to Owner and you must follow the representation process advised below. The discounted amount is offered at this point, payment instructions are given on the notice. Provided you challenge the notice while the discount is valid, you will still be eligible for the discount if your challenge is rejected.
Video footage
If you have been issued a PCN by an approved device (bus lane or camera car) you can check the footage online - you must enter your vehicle registration number and the PCN number then select search and follow the instructions.
Notice to Owner
A Notice to Owner (NTO) will be sent to the registered keeper of the vehicle after 28 days of the PCN being served if no payment is received and a challenge is not made or has been rejected and no further action has been taken.
The full charge will apply at this stage.
You have the option to either make full payment or if you would like to dispute the PCN, you would need to submit a formal representation. Details on how to make payment or representation can be found on the Notice to Owner. You will be informed of the outcome of your representation in writing within 56 days from the date the council receives your representation.
Receiving a Notice of Rejection
If your representation is unsuccessful, you will receive a Notice of Rejection. You will then have the option to either make payment or appeal to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal. Details of how to make payment or submit an appeal to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal can be found on the Notice of Rejection letter. When you receive the notice of rejection, if you opt to pay, and you challenged during the period when there would be a discount on the charge, the discount will still apply.
If your appeal is successful, the PCN will be cancelled.
However if it is unsuccessful the Traffic Penalty Tribunal will dismiss the appeal and inform you in writing of how much is outstanding to pay. Failure to make payment on time will result in a Charge Certificate being issued. If the appeal is unsuccessful but you started the process during the period when there would be a discount on the charge, the discount will still apply.
Charge Certificate
Once a Charge Certificate has been issued, the charge will increase by a further 50%. This must be paid within 14 days. You have no further right of appeal at this stage.
If no payment is made at this stage, the debt will be registered with the Traffic Enforcement Centre, an additional fee of £8 will be added and an Order for Recovery will be issued.
Order for Recovery
Upon receiving an Order for Recovery you have the option to either file a witness statement or make payment. If no action is taken, the case will then be passed onto our bailiffs.