This section provides information on some common challenges to
parking tickets.
I did not receive the PCN and have received a Notice to Owner /
Enforcement Notice / Charge Certificate.
Although not a legal requirement, if the PCN was
issued on-street then it is likely that the civil enforcment
officer (CEO) will have also taken a photograph showing that the
PCN was served to the vehicle. Responsibility for the PCN
lies with the owner not the driver of the vehicle at the time. The
Notice to Owner will give further details. As such, even if the
driver has not told you a PCN was issued, you are liable for the
full charge at this stage.
If the contravention was observed by CCTV or the civil
enforcement officer was prevented from servining the PCN or the
vehicle was driven away, then you will have been sent the PCN by
post to the same address as the Notice to Owner, Enforcement Notice
or Charge Certificate.
I was only there for two minutes.
There is no requirement for a civil enforcement officer to wait
for any period before issuing a PCN. In some cases a PCN may be
issued instantly if the vehicle is parked on a loading ban, bus
stop, footway, resident’s bay etc.
PCNs are often issued to vehicles parked on a loading ban – this
will be shown by the contravention code ‘02’ on the PCN. This
restriction is indicated on street by kerb chevrons in addition to
the yellow lines on the carriageway and applies during the hours on
the white time plate nearby. Under such conditions parking, loading
and unloading are all prohibited and, as such, you cannot challenge
a PCN unless exceptional mitigating circumstances apply.
If loading / unloading is permitted or there is provision to
pick up or set down passengers then the civil enforcement officer
will observe the vehicle to see if any of these activities is
taking place. If you were carrying out loading then the onus is on
you to provide evidence that loading / unloading was being carried
out.
I went to get change.
The law does not allow any time to get change. If the PCN was
issued whilst you were obtaining change then it was issued
correctly and you should make payment. Remember that our pay and
display machines accept debit and credit cards.
The PCN was issued at midnight, on a Sunday or on a bank
holiday etc
Whilst our pay and display bays are generally free*
after 7pm Monday to Friday, 11am on
Saturday, all day Sundays and bank holidays other restrictions
can still apply. Double yellow lines apply at any time. Other
restrictions – footway parking, bus stops, residents’ bays etc –
will also apply at any time. If a particular sign does not mention
days of operation it means that the restriction applies seven days
a week.
*Suspended bays can be enforced at any time – always check the
signs.
I had a valid pay and display ticket, but it fell down in the
vehicle or I forgot to display it.
If the civil enforcment officer cannot see all the relevant
details because, for example, the pay and display ticket is face
down, then the officer will issue a PCN. Even if you provide a copy
of the pay and display ticket after the event it is unlikely that
we will withdraw the PCN. Check that the pay and display ticket is
clearly visible from the front of the vehicle prior to walking away
from the vehicle.
I displayed a valid pay and display ticket, but I was still
issued with a parking ticket.
Perhaps other out-dated parking tickets were also visible
through your windscreen. It is a requirement that only a single
ticket is displayed. If more than one ticket is visible, the civil
enforcement officer will issue a PCN and it is unlikely that we
will withdraw it.
Back to top
If my PCN is withdrawn will I get compensation?
The City of London will not pay your costs for disputing a
PCN.
If you take the case to independent adjudication – the Parking
and Traffic Appeals Service – a Parking Adjudicator can award costs
but will do so only in rare circumstances.
The colour / make of my vehicle is incorrect.
There is not a legal requirement that the make and colour of the
vehicle is recorded but this is taken as additional evidence that
the vehicle was there. If your vehicle was genuinely not at the
location stated and / or you think your vehicle may have been
cloned (commonly known as ‘a ringer vehicle’) you should provide
evidence in the form of the vehicle’s log book (V5) or details of
communications with the police in respect of your vehicle
registration mark being used fraudulently.
I hold a blue badge.
The blue badge is not valid in Central London
however different concession apply.
Click here for information on parking in the City for people with
disabilities.
However, if you have received a PCN then you should submit your
challenge for consideration by the City of London.
The PCN was unfair.
Under most circumstances a motorist will be unhappy at receiving
a PCN, but this in itself is not grounds to withdraw a PCN. The
City of London does have the ability to apply discretion in
relation to mitigating circumstances and if you feel that there are
additional factors which we need to consider then you should submit
these along with any supporting evidence for consideration.
What is a dropped kerb or raised carriageway and why isn't it
signed/marked?
Dropped kerbs/raised carriageways are installed in compliance
with the Disability Discrimination Act at areas where there is a
need for pedestrian or vehicle access to, from, or across a
particular area. There is no legal requirement for there to be
traffic signs placed at such points; a dropped kerb, or a raised
carriageway, can be identified by its basic nature without the need
for further road/pavement signage. The Traffic Management Act
2004 prohibits vehicles from parking at these areas.
Assistance
- For information or assistance with on-street parking please
contact the City of London Parking Helpline on 020 7332 3910 or
email.
- To enquire about a PCN, call 020 7332 3366 or
email. Please
quote the PCN number and give your full postal address.
- To dispute a PCN, use our
online facility or
email. Please
quote the PCN number and give your full postal
address.