Challenge a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)
If you receive a parking Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) that you feel is unfair, you can challenge it.
It is a legal requirement that all challenges to PCNs are made in writing, which can be by email or by sending a letter in the post.
Please ensure that you clearly display your PCN reference number on all documentation. Your PCN number starts LH followed by 8 digits which could include a letter. If you do not have this information to hand please include your vehicles registration number.
There are three stages to the challenge process: informal challenge, formal representation and appeal to the Parking and Traffic Adjudication service. You can also make a representation against the removal of your vehicle after you have paid your PCN and removal fee.
If you receive a PCN either on your vehicle, handed to the driver or for driving in a bus lane you can make an Informal Challenge up to 28 days after a PCN is issued. If you pay your PCN or make an informal challenge within the first 14 days from the date of issue, you will receive a discounted rate.
Make a formal representation
If you do not pay or challenge your PCN within the first 28 days after it is issued, we will issue a written reminder called a Notice to Owner or an Enforcement Notice giving you an option to either pay the PCN or make a formal representation.
If a PCN is issued by camera the PCN will be issued to the registered keeper of the vehicle by post. You will have an option to either pay the PCN or make a formal representation. Please note a separate Notice to Owner will not be issued in this case.
If we reject your representation you can make an appeal to an independent adjudicator at the Parking and Traffic Appeals service.
If your vehicle is removed and you feel it is unfair, you can make representations against it after you have paid the penalty charge and release fees.
If you receive a PCN in Lambeth you can view the contravention online.