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Road Traffic & Motoring
5 pasos
Actualizado March 2026

Impugnar una multa de aparcamiento (PCN)

Cómo impugnar una multa de aparcamiento del ayuntamiento o empresa privada.

Visión general

If you receive a parking ticket — whether a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) from a council or a parking charge from a private company — you may be able to challenge it. Council PCNs are issued under the Traffic Management Act 2004 or the Road Traffic Act 1991. Private parking charges are issued under contract law (often using ANPR cameras). The appeals processes are different for each.

Proceso paso a paso

1

Identify the Type of Ticket

Determine whether your ticket is from a council (Penalty Charge Notice — yellow or white ticket, or postal PCN) or from a private parking company (Parking Charge Notice). Council PCNs are statutory penalties; private tickets are contractual charges. The appeal routes are different.

Consejos prácticos
  • Council PCNs are usually issued by civil enforcement officers
  • Private parking tickets often arrive by post after ANPR camera capture
2

Make an Informal Challenge (Council PCN)

For a council PCN, you can make an informal challenge (also called a representation) within 14 days to get the discounted rate preserved. Write to the council explaining why the PCN should be cancelled. Common grounds: the signs were unclear, you had a valid permit, the machine was broken, you were loading/unloading, or there were mitigating circumstances.

Plazo: Within 14 days for discount preservation
Consejos prácticos
  • Keep photos of signs, meters, and your vehicle's location
  • The 14-day discount period is usually paused while the challenge is considered
3

Formal Representation (Council PCN)

If your informal challenge is rejected, you will receive a Notice to Owner. You then have 28 days to make a formal representation. Statutory grounds include: you were not the owner, the contravention did not occur, the penalty exceeded the amount due, or procedural requirements were not met.

Plazo: Within 28 days of the Notice to Owner
4

Appeal to the Tribunal (Council PCN)

If your formal representation is rejected, you can appeal to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal (outside London) or the London Tribunals (in London). The appeal is free. The tribunal is independent and its decision is binding on the council. You can appeal online.

Plazo: Within 28 days of the council's rejection
Consejos prácticos
  • The tribunal appeal is free — there is no cost to you
  • Most appeals are decided on written evidence (no hearing needed)
5

Appeal a Private Parking Charge

For private parking charges, first appeal to the parking company's internal process. If rejected, appeal to the independent appeals service: POPLA (for BPA members) or the IAS (for IPC members). The appeal is free. If you lose, the company may pursue a county court claim, but many do not.

Plazo: Usually within 28 days of the charge
Consejos prácticos
  • Check if the company is a member of BPA or IPC
  • The Supreme Court case ParkingEye v Beavis [2015] confirmed private parking charges can be enforceable if reasonable

Costes

Council PCN (discounted)£25–£40 (if paid within 14 days)
Council PCN (full)£50–£80
Traffic Penalty Tribunal appealFree
POPLA/IAS appealFree

Advertencias importantes

Do not ignore a parking ticket — council PCNs can escalate to a charge certificate (50% increase) and county court enforcement.

For private parking charges, ignoring the charge may lead to a county court claim, though not all companies pursue this.

Wheel clamping on private land is illegal under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012.