Frequently Asked Questions
How do I challenge the PCN?
You have to write in or complete the form
on-line.
Please do this within 14 days of the issue of the
ticket.
You need to write the PCN number down, beginning SC, and
include your name (which should be legible) and address.
Please state your case simply and clearly. If you send any
additional information to support your case, please send copies and
not originals.
Should I pay at the discounted amount and then
challenge the PCN?
No. You should write in and wait for our decision.
When we receive a written challenge, we put the case on hold so the
charge will not rise to the higher rate. If we accept your
challenge, you pay nothing and the case is closed. If we
reject your challenge, we give you another 14 days from the date of
the letter to pay at the discounted rate.
Why do I have to write to you? Why can’t I just explain
on the telephone what happened?
It is a requirement of the Traffic Management Act 2004
that all challenges have to be in writing. If the case
remains unpaid, it is legally registered at the Traffic Enforcement
Centre, which is a Court set up to deal exclusively with parking
tickets.
If I come to the office, can I get this sorted out?
No, you need to write in for the reasons above.
How long will it take to receive a reply from you?
We try to respond within 5 working days. If you have not
heard anything after a week, please get in touch with us.
I wrote a note and left this in my car but still got a
ticket
Leaving a note explaining where you are loading/unloading does
not confer unlimited parking rights to carry out this task,
although it may help the Civil Enforcement Officers when they are
observing vehicles. if you are loading/unloading and need
more than a few minutes' time, then you can ring during office
hours and gain permission to park for longer.
I got a ticket but I had no choice about parking in the street
because I was doing building work at a house
Contractors who need to park in a restricted street can apply
for a dispensation. These cost £15.00 a week per
vehicle. You can apply by telephone during office
hours.
I am disabled and had my permit on display. Why did I get
a PCN?
The disabled permit may have been displayed incorrectly; you
should display the side showing the serial number and expiry
date. Or the permit might have been partially covered by a
clock. Remember that in a timed disabled bay, or on
single/double yellow lines, the clock disc must be set, with time
of arrival.
I’m not from this area and am unfamiliar with the signs and
lines, so you should make allowance for me
This is not possible. Every motorist, irrespective of
where they are from, is expected to abide by the local parking
regulations.
You rejected my challenge. I am unhappy at the decision
and don’t want to pay. What can I do?
You can make another, formal appeal at Notice to Owner (NtO)
stage. The NtO will be sent out approximately 28 days after
issue of the PCN. This form will explain how and why you can
appeal. If the appeal is successful, the case is
closed. If it is rejected, you can then appeal to
the Traffic Penalty Tribunal. A form will be
included with the rejection letter. At NtO stage, however, the
charge is at the standard rate, and not the discounted
rate.
Can I pay at the discounted rate and still appeal at
NtO?
No. When a payment is made, the case is
closed.