How to challenge or make a representation
against a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) (parking
ticket)
If you wish to object to a parking ticket
(Penalty Charge Notice or PCN) you must do so in writing. This
can be done by letter or by using our on-line form. Please provide
as much detail as you can and evidence you feel may support your
claim.
For example, this might be documentary
evidence of loading/unloading. If you are unsure whether you are
making a challenge or a representation, please refer to
explanations below.
Please note that you cannot challenge a PCN or make a
representation if the charge has been paid.
If your vehicle has been removed please see removal of a
vehicle
How to challenge a PCN (informal)
You can make an informal challenge for:
- PCNs issued by a Civil Enforcement Officer (CEO)
- Bus Lane contravention – (PCN)
If you write to us within the first 14 days of
issue of a PCN or within14 days from the date of service of a bus
lane contravention, we will put your case on hold until we respond.
If you are unsuccessful, you will get a further chance to pay at
the discounted rate.
If you are unhappy with the decision, please
do not write to us again until a Notice to Owner or an Enforcement
Notice for a Bus Lane CCTV PCN has been issued to the registered
keeper of the vehicle. This is sent not less than 28 days after our
response to your challenge if the PCN has not been cancelled or
paid.
Make a formal representation
You can make a formal representation if you have received:
- Notice to Owner - PCN issued by a Civil Enforcement Officer
(CEO
- Bus Lane – Enforcement Notice
- PCN issued by CCTV and sent by post for CCTV Parking
contraventions (such as loading bay, loading ban, moving traffic
and footway). If the PCN was issued by CCTV for any other reason
other than a Bus Lane contravention the PCN you have been sent also
serves as a Notice to Owner.
You may only make a formal representation if a
Notice to Owner (NTO) or CCTV PCN has been sent to you by post.
The Notice to Owner (NTO) gives the registered
keeper of the vehicle the opportunity to make a formal
representation against the PCN. You may have to pay the charge in
full if you are unsuccessful.
If you do make a representation and it is
unsuccessful, you may then appeal to an independent adjudicator at
the Parking and Traffic Appeals Service if you wish to appeal
further. An appeal form will be sent to the keeper of the vehicle
with the Notice of Rejection, the form must be completed within 28
days from the date of service of the Notice of Rejection.
The Adjudicator is fully independent of the
council and his or her decision is legally binding on both
parties.
Parking enforcement is often the result of
motorists making a mistake because regulations have not been
correctly observed or complied with. Errors, accidents and lateness
are not going to result in a successful appeal. If you feel the PCN
was invalid, the restrictions were not clear or illegal parking was
undertaken due to mitigating circumstances, please explain this in
your challenge or formal representation.
Removal of a
vehicle
When a vehicle has been removed, the required
amount on recovery of the vehicle must be paid. On payment, the
person responsible will be informed of his or her right to make a
representation to this enforcement authority and of his or her
right to appeal to an adjudicator if his or her
representation is not accepted.
To make a challenge or representation by post send to:
Parking Services
PO Box 14790
London E14 2WA
Make a payment
Payment can be made as follows:
-
By Internet
- By Telephone - debit/credit/charge card on 020 7364 3800
- By Post - Cheques or Postal Orders made payable to London
Borough of Tower Hamlets. Please enclose
PCN number or a copy of any correspondence with your payment and
send to the above address
- In Person - Cashiers, Albert Jacob House, 62 Roman Road,
Bethnal Green, E2 0PG, Open hours - Monday to Friday 9.00
-16:30.
Further Enquiries
Parking Helpline: 020 7364 5003 (Open: Monday to Friday from 8am
to 8pm, Saturday from 8am to 4pm)
Fax number: 020 7364 6797
e-mail:parking@towerhamlets.gov.uk