Postal parking PCN

A postal parking Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) is a parking fine sent by post. It is not placed on your vehicle or handed to you in person.

You might get a postal PCN if:

• your vehicle was seen on CCTV or an enforcement camera (for example, parked illegally on a red route or near school 'Keep Clear' markings)
• a civil enforcement officer could not safely give you the PCN in person (for example, if you drove away or someone stopped them)

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 challenging more than one PCN, you must submit a separate representation for each one.

Paying at the reduced rate

You can only pay the reduced amount if you do so within the time 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 postal 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.

If your representation is rejected, you will get a Notice of Rejection.

We consider all representations 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 send a Charge Certificate. This increases the fine by 50%.

For example, if your fine is £50, it will go up to £75.

Page last updated: 18 September 2025