Clean Air Zone PCN
You may get a Clean Air Zone fine, legally called a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), if you drive a vehicle that does not meet emissions rules into a Clean Air Zone without a valid payment.
A PCN will be sent by post if your vehicle is recorded by an enforcement camera entering a Clean Air Zone and:
- you do not pay the charge
- you pay the wrong amount
- you pay too late
What you can do
You have 28 days to either:
- pay the PCN
- challenge the PCN - this is called making a formal representation
Only the registered keeper of the vehicle can make a representation, or someone with written permission from them.
If you are making a representation online, you must submit a separate representation for each PCN number.
Paying at the reduced rate
You can only pay a PCN at the reduced rate if payment is made within the time period stated on the PCN.
If the discount period has passed, you will need to pay the full amount. This applies whether or not you choose to challenge the PCN.
How to challenge a Clean Air Zone PCN
You must use the method shown on the PCN to send your formal representation.
Do not send your representation to council email addresses or other websites, as it may not be received.
If we get your representation within 28 days, we have 56 days to consider the matter and send a response.
What happens after you challenge
If your representation is accepted, the PCN will be cancelled. You will not have to pay.
If your representation is rejected, you will receive a Notice of Rejection.
We consider all challenges using our Discretion Policy.
After a Notice of Rejection
You have 28 days to either:
- pay the PCN
- appeal to the independent adjudicator at the Traffic Penalty Tribunal
If you do nothing
If you do not pay or challenge the PCN within 28 days, we may issue a Charge Certificate. This increases the fine by 50%.
For example, if your fine is £50, the total amount you will have to pay will be £75.
Page last updated: 18 September 2025
