Traffic Penalty Tribunal

Overview

The Traffic Penalty Tribunal is the independent appeal body for civil traffic penalties issued by local councils in England (outside London) and Wales. It deals with parking, bus lane, moving traffic, dartford crossing, and ULEZ-style charging appeals. Hearings are usually decided on the papers, with the option of a telephone or video hearing.

What it handles

• Parking PCN appeals (after formal representations rejected)
• Bus lane PCN appeals
• Moving traffic contravention appeals (post-2022 enforcement extension)
• Dartford-Thurrock Crossing charges

Fees

• Appeals: Free

Deadlines

• Notice of Rejection from council → 28 days to appeal

Process

1. Step 1: Challenge the PCN with the authority

   Before appealing to the Tribunal, a motorist must first make representations against the Penalty Charge Notice to the local authority or charging authority that issued it (starting, for windscreen/handed parking PCNs, with an Informal Challenge).

2. Step 2: Receive a Notice of Rejection

   If the representations are unsuccessful, the authority issues a Notice of Rejection (NoR) of Representations, which explains the reasons and includes a unique PIN Code needed to start an appeal to the Tribunal.

3. Step 3: Submit the appeal within 28 days

   The motorist has 28 days from receiving the NoR letter to submit an appeal, mostly done through TPT's online service using the PIN Code, vehicle registration number, PCN number(s) and a valid email address; a postal or phone-assisted route is also available.

4. Step 4: Explain the case and add evidence

   The appellant explains the circumstances of the appeal and can upload supporting evidence such as photos, scanned documents or messages, with the option to add further evidence later.

5. Step 5: Independent Adjudicator decides

   An independent Adjudicator — a lawyer of at least five years' experience, appointed with the Lord Chancellor's agreement — decides whether the motorist is liable, based on the facts and evidence submitted by both the appellant and the authority.

Official sources

Related guides

• Challenging A Parking Ticket