How long do I have to appeal a London parking ticket?

For council and TfL PCNs: 28 days to make representations, then 28 days to appeal to London Tribunals if rejected.

Will I lose my discount if I appeal?

For council PCNs, many boroughs re-offer the 50% discount if they reject an early challenge. For TfL, the discount period pauses while they consider your representation.

Can bailiffs be sent for a London parking ticket?

For council and TfL PCNs, yes - if you ignore the Charge Certificate and Order for Recovery. For private parking, no - they need a court order first.

What is the success rate for London parking appeals?

Around 49-50% of appeals at London Tribunals succeed. Private parking appeals through POPLA have around 40% success rate.

How to Appeal a Parking Ticket in London (2026 Guide)

TL;DR Summary

London hands out millions of parking and traffic PCNs every year. Analysis of London Councils data shows that around 49% of appeals at London Tribunals succeed. Council and TfL tickets go to London Tribunals. Private parking tickets go to POPLA or IAS.

2026 London Parking Changes You Need to Know

Congestion Charge Increase (January 2026)

The daily Congestion Charge increased from £15 to £18 on 2 January 2026. PCN penalties are now:

Payment Timing	Penalty Amount
Within 14 days	£90
After 14 days	£180
After Charge Certificate	£270

Electric Vehicle Exemption Ended

As of 25 December 2025, electric and hydrogen vehicles no longer qualify for the Cleaner Vehicle Discount. All drivers must now pay the daily Congestion Charge regardless of vehicle type.

Important: If you received a PCN thinking your EV was still exempt, this is unfortunately NOT valid grounds for appeal.

Types of London Parking Tickets

1. Council PCNs (Penalty Charge Notices)

Issued by London boroughs for:

Parking on yellow lines
Overstaying in pay-and-display bays
Parking in permit-only zones
Blocking dropped kerbs

Penalty amounts: £130/£65 (higher band) or £80/£40 (lower band)

2. TfL PCNs

Transport for London issues PCNs for:

Contravention	Penalty
Red Route stopping	£160/£80
Bus Lane driving	£160/£80
Yellow Box Junction	£160/£80
Congestion Charge	£180/£90
ULEZ non-compliance	£180/£90
Blackwall/Silvertown Tunnels	£180/£90

3. Private Parking Charges

Issued at supermarkets, shopping centres, hospitals, and private car parks by companies like:

ParkingEye
Euro Car Parks
APCOA
Smart Parking
Excel Parking

Typical charge: £60-£100

London Borough Appeal Success Rates

Borough	Estimated Annual PCNs	Tribunal Success Rate
Westminster	850,000+	~45%
Camden	320,000+	~48%
Kensington & Chelsea	280,000+	~52%
Islington	240,000+	~47%
Tower Hamlets	200,000+	~50%
Hackney	180,000+	~49%

Source: London Councils data, London Tribunals annual reports

How to Appeal a London Council PCN

Step 1: Informal Challenge (Optional)

If the PCN was placed on your windscreen, you can make an informal challenge before receiving the Notice to Owner.

Write to the council within 14 days to preserve your discount
Many councils re-offer the 50% discount if they reject your informal challenge

Step 2: Formal Representation

When you receive the Notice to Owner:

You have 28 days to make formal representations
Submit in writing or via the council's online portal
Include all evidence (photos, receipts, witness statements)

Step 3: Appeal to London Tribunals

If your representation is rejected:

You receive a Notice of Rejection
You have 28 days to appeal to London Tribunals
Appeal online at londontribunals.gov.uk
It's FREE - the adjudicator's decision is binding

How to Appeal a TfL PCN

Online Representation

Go to tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/challenge-a-pcn
Enter your PCN reference number
Select your grounds for appeal
Upload supporting evidence
Submit within 28 days

If TfL Rejects Your Representation

You'll receive a Notice of Rejection with appeal form
Appeal to Road User Charging Adjudicators via London Tribunals
The tribunal decision is final and binding on TfL

TfL Appeal Success Rates

52% of Congestion Charge appeals allowed
48% of bus lane appeals allowed
45% of yellow box junction appeals allowed

Common Grounds for Successful London Appeals

The Contravention Didn't Occur

You were loading/unloading (with evidence)
You displayed a valid permit
You were within the grace period (10 minutes after paid time)

Signs or Lines Were Inadequate

Yellow lines faded or unclear
Signs obscured by vegetation
Confusing or contradictory signage

Procedural Errors

PCN issued too early (CEO observation period not met)
Notice served outside legal timeframe
Required information missing from PCN

Mitigating Circumstances

Medical emergency
Vehicle breakdown
Circumstances beyond your control

Camera Evidence Issues (TfL)

ANPR images don't clearly show your vehicle
Timestamp appears incorrect
Evidence quality insufficient

What Happens If You Don't Pay or Appeal

Council PCNs

Charge Certificate - Penalty increases by 50%
Order for Recovery - Registered at Traffic Enforcement Centre
Bailiff Enforcement - Additional fees of £75-£400+

TfL PCNs

Charge Certificate - Penalty increases by 50%
County Court Registration - £9 fee added
Enforcement Agents - Can visit your property

Private Parking

Reminder Letters - Often aggressive but no extra powers
Debt Collection - No bailiff powers without court order
County Court Claim - Only if they take legal action

London Private Parking: Know Your Rights

Private parking charges in London follow the same rules as elsewhere in the UK:

10-minute grace period after paid time expires
5-minute consideration period before PCN can be issued
Notice to Keeper must be served within 14 days for ANPR tickets

If the operator is a BPA member, you can escalate rejected appeals to POPLA.

If they're an IPC member, escalate to the Independent Appeals Service (IAS).

Need Help With Your London PCN Appeal?

Appealing a London parking ticket is stressful and time-consuming. Upload your PCN photos and get a professionally formatted appeal letter citing UK parking law in minutes.

Start Your London Appeal - £6.99 →

Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only. PCN Beater is a document preparation service, not a law firm. Always check the specific deadlines on your own PCN.