PCN vs. Private Parking Tickets: The 2026 Appeal Guide
Comprehensive 2026 guide explaining the difference between Council PCNs and Private Parking Charges. Learn which tribunal to use: London Tribunals vs Traffic Penalty Tribunal.
Need Help With Your Appeal?
Professional appeal letters from £6.99 (digital) or £10.98 with Print & Post. AI-powered, 60-second drafting.
TL;DR Summary
Council PCN = Legal fine under Traffic Management Act 2004. Appeal to London Tribunals (London) or Traffic Penalty Tribunal (rest of England/Wales). Private Parking Charge = Contractual invoice. Appeal to POPLA (BPA members) or IAS (IPC members). Never ignore either type.
Last Updated: 30 December 2025 | Reading Time: 8 minutes
What is the Difference Between a Council PCN and a Private Parking Charge?
Direct Answer: A Council PCN (Penalty Charge Notice) is a legal fine issued by a local authority under the Traffic Management Act 2004. A Private Parking Charge is a contractual invoice issued by a private company for allegedly breaching terms displayed on private land.
This distinction matters because the appeal routes, legal powers, and consequences are completely different.
| Feature | Council PCN | Private Parking Charge |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Basis | Traffic Management Act 2004 | Contract Law |
| Issuer | Local Council / TfL | Private Company (ParkingEye, UKPC, etc.) |
| Nature | Statutory fine | Invoice / Demand for payment |
| First Appeal | To the council (Formal Representation) | To the parking company |
| Second-Stage Appeal (London) | London Tribunals | POPLA or IAS |
| Second-Stage Appeal (Outside London) | Traffic Penalty Tribunal | POPLA or IAS |
| Enforcement | Bailiffs (no court needed) | County Court (if they sue) |
Can I Ignore a Parking Charge Notice?
Direct Answer: No. You should never ignore a Council PCN as bailiffs can be involved without going to court. Private tickets can also lead to a County Court Judgment (CCJ) if ignored. Always appeal or pay.
What Happens If You Ignore a Council PCN:
- Charge increases by 50% after initial deadline
- Debt registered with Traffic Enforcement Centre
- Bailiffs (enforcement agents) can be instructed
- No court case required for escalation
What Happens If You Ignore a Private Charge:
- Reminder letters and debt collector letters
- Operator may issue a county court claim (many don't)
- If you lose in court, you pay the charge plus court costs
- Only after court judgment can enforcement agents get involved
London Tribunals vs Traffic Penalty Tribunal: Which One Do I Use?
Direct Answer: If your council ticket was issued in a London Borough or by Transport for London (TfL), you must appeal to London Tribunals. For council tickets issued anywhere else in England and Wales, you use the Traffic Penalty Tribunal.
Key Point:
London Tribunals and the Traffic Penalty Tribunal are only for council-issued tickets (PCNs). Private parking charges go to POPLA or IAS instead.
Tribunal Routing Table for Council PCNs
| Where Was Your Ticket Issued? | Second-Stage Tribunal | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Any London Borough (Westminster, Camden, etc.) | London Tribunals | londontribunals.gov.uk |
| Transport for London (TfL) - Red Routes, Congestion | London Tribunals | londontribunals.gov.uk |
| Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Bristol, etc. | Traffic Penalty Tribunal | trafficpenaltytribunal.gov.uk |
| Any council outside London (England & Wales) | Traffic Penalty Tribunal | trafficpenaltytribunal.gov.uk |
| Scotland | First-tier Tribunal for Scotland | parking-appeals.scotland.gov.uk |
How the Tribunal Process Works
Whether you're appealing to London Tribunals or the Traffic Penalty Tribunal, the process is similar:
- First Appeal: You must appeal to the council first (Formal Representation)
- Notice of Rejection: If rejected, you receive a "Notice of Rejection" with tribunal rights
- 28-Day Deadline: You have 28 days to appeal to London Tribunals or Traffic Penalty Tribunal
- Online Appeal: Submit your appeal online with evidence
- Adjudicator Decision: An independent adjudicator reviews both sides
- Binding Decision: If you win, the council MUST cancel the ticket
Private Parking Appeals: POPLA vs IAS
Private parking tickets don't go to London Tribunals or the Traffic Penalty Tribunal. Instead:
| Operator's Trade Body | Appeal Body | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| British Parking Association (BPA) | POPLA | ParkingEye, NCP, APCOA |
| International Parking Community (IPC) | IAS (Independent Appeals Service) | Euro Car Parks, Smart Parking |
Common Grounds for Appealing in 2026
Council PCN Appeal Grounds:
- Signs not compliant with Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016
- Procedural errors (wrong dates, missing information)
- Mitigating circumstances (medical emergency, breakdown)
- Camera/ANPR errors for bus lane or moving traffic tickets
- Yellow box junction - genuinely blocked by traffic ahead
Private Parking Appeal Grounds:
- Grace period not allowed (10-minute rule under 2024 Code)
- Unclear or missing signage
- Notice to Keeper served late (14-day rule under POFA 2012)
- ANPR camera errors
- Proportionality (charge excessive for minor breach)
Need Help With Your Appeal?
PCN-Beater drafts professional appeal letters for both council and private tickets. We route to the correct tribunal automatically.
Start Your Appeal - £6.99 →Key Deadlines to Remember
| Ticket Type | First Appeal Deadline | Tribunal Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Council PCN | 28 days (Formal Representation) | 28 days from Notice of Rejection |
| Private Charge | Usually 28 days (check notice) | 28 days from rejection + POPLA/IAS code |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the success rate for parking ticket appeals?
Success rates vary by ticket type and grounds. Council PCN appeals at London Tribunals and the Traffic Penalty Tribunal see around 50-60% success. Private parking appeals to POPLA or IAS also show similar success rates when properly contested with evidence.
Can I appeal a parking ticket myself?
Yes, absolutely. Both London Tribunals and the Traffic Penalty Tribunal are designed for self-representation. No lawyer is required.
How long does a tribunal appeal take?
Most appeals to London Tribunals or Traffic Penalty Tribunal are decided within 4-8 weeks. Some complex cases may take longer.
Summary: Your 2026 Appeal Roadmap
- Identify your ticket type - Council PCN or Private Charge
- Check deadlines - Usually 28 days for first appeal
- Appeal to issuer first - Council or private company
- If rejected, escalate:
- Council (London) → London Tribunals
- Council (Outside) → Traffic Penalty Tribunal
- Private (BPA) → POPLA
- Private (IPC) → IAS
- Never ignore - Both types have consequences
Disclaimer: PCN-Beater is a document-preparation and postal service, not a law firm. This guide provides general information only and is not legal advice.
Related Guides
ParkingEye Appeal Guide | Grace Periods Explained | Council vs Private Success Rates
About the Author
The PCN Beater team includes UK drivers and parking law specialists who've successfully challenged hundreds of unfair tickets. Our service was built after repeatedly fighting parking companies and councils—and winning. Our AI-powered templates are based on UK parking codes of practice, BPA guidelines, and real-world appeal outcomes that deliver results.
Ready to Appeal Your Parking Ticket?
Upload your PCN photos and get a professional appeal letter in 60 seconds.
Start Your Appeal from £6.99 →Related Guides
Stop the Clock Rule: Keep Your Discount While Appealing
The BPA stop the clock rule freezes your parking ticket discount while you appeal. A no-lose strategy to challenge without risk.
EducationalPrivate vs Council Parking Tickets: UK Guide
Real parking ticket appeal success rates: ~50% at tribunal, ~40% at POPLA. Learn how council and private appeals compare.
EducationalPrivate vs Council Parking Tickets: Know the Difference (2025 Guide)
Confused about your parking ticket? Learn the key differences between private Parking Charge Notices and council Penalty Charge Notices - appeals, deadlines, discounts, and enforcement explained.