TfL PCN Appeal: How to Challenge a Transport for London Ticket (2026 Guide)

Transport for London issues over 5 million penalty charge notices per year — more than any other authority in the UK. If you've received one, you're far from alone. And a significant number of these PCNs contain errors that can get them cancelled on appeal.

This guide covers every type of TfL PCN: bus lane fines, Congestion Charge penalties, ULEZ charges, red route contraventions, and yellow box junction tickets. We'll explain exactly how to appeal each one and what grounds actually work.

Types of TfL PCN

TfL issues penalty charge notices for several different types of contravention. The appeal process is the same, but the legal grounds and evidence requirements differ:

Bus Lane PCNs

These are issued when a camera captures your vehicle driving in a bus lane during restricted hours. The penalty is typically £160 (£80 if paid within 14 days). Bus lane PCNs are one of TfL's biggest revenue sources — and one of the most commonly overturned on appeal.

Congestion Charge PCNs

If you drive within the Congestion Charge zone (roughly Zone 1 central London) between 7am and 6pm on weekdays without paying the daily charge, you'll receive a PCN for £160 (£80 early payment). The charge itself is £15 per day as of 2026.

ULEZ Penalties

The Ultra Low Emission Zone now covers all of Greater London. If your vehicle doesn't meet emission standards (Euro 4 for petrol, Euro 6 for diesel), driving anywhere in London triggers a £180 daily charge. The PCN for not paying is £160 (£80 early).

Red Route Contraventions

Stopping on a red route (marked by red lines on the road) is enforced by TfL cameras and on-street officers. PCNs are typically £130 (£65 early).

Yellow Box Junction PCNs

Cameras at yellow box junctions issue PCNs when a vehicle stops within the box. These are £130 (£65 early). They're also one of the most successfully appealed ticket types.

How the TfL Appeal Process Works

TfL operates a three-stage appeal process:

Stage 1: Informal Challenge (Within 14 Days)

You can make an "informal challenge" before the formal Notice to Owner is issued. Submit this within 14 days of the PCN date. If you challenge at this stage, your 14-day discount period is paused — you won't lose the 50% reduction while TfL considers your appeal.

TfL must respond within 56 days. If they don't, the PCN is cancelled automatically.

Stage 2: Formal Representation (Within 28 Days of NtO)

If your informal challenge fails (or you didn't make one), TfL sends a formal Notice to Owner (NtO). You then have 28 days to make a "formal representation." This is your main appeal opportunity.

There are specific statutory grounds for formal representations under the London Local Authorities and Transport for London Act 2003:

• The contravention did not occur
• You were not the owner at the time
• The vehicle had been stolen
• The penalty exceeded the relevant amount
• There was a procedural error in issuing the PCN
• There are compelling reasons why the penalty should not be enforced

Stage 3: London Tribunals

If your formal representation is rejected, you can appeal to London Tribunals (formerly known as PATAS — Parking and Traffic Appeals Service). This is an independent adjudicator, completely separate from TfL. The appeal is free.

London Tribunals adjudicators regularly overturn TfL decisions. You can submit your case online, by post, or attend a hearing in person or by phone.

Grounds That Actually Work for TfL Appeals

Bus Lane Appeals

The most successful grounds for bus lane PCN appeals are:

Signage failures: Bus lane restrictions must be clearly signed under the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 (TSRGD). If warning signs are missing, obscured, or don't clearly show the operating hours, this is a strong ground. Request TfL's signage evidence — they must prove compliant signs were in place.

Camera evidence issues: Request the full, unedited video footage — not just still images. Still photos alone cannot prove continuous travel within the bus lane. The footage must clearly show your vehicle entering and travelling within the restricted lane during operational hours.

Operating hours: Many bus lanes only operate during peak hours (e.g., 7–10am and 4–7pm). If the contravention was logged outside operating hours, or during a period when the restriction was temporarily suspended, the PCN is invalid.

Congestion Charge Appeals

Payment within the grace period: You can pay the Congestion Charge until midnight on the day of travel (at the standard £15 rate) or by midnight the following day (at a £17.50 late payment rate). If you were charged a PCN despite paying within these windows, appeal immediately with proof of payment.

Exempt vehicle: Certain vehicles are exempt, including registered disabled badge holders, some alternative fuel vehicles, and certain military vehicles. Check if your vehicle qualifies.

Camera misread: ANPR cameras occasionally misread number plates, especially on dirty, damaged, or non-standard plates. Request the camera images and check the captured registration matches your vehicle.

Yellow Box Junction Appeals

Turning right: You are legally permitted to enter a yellow box junction if you intend to turn right and are prevented from doing so only by oncoming traffic or other vehicles waiting to turn right. This is explicitly allowed under the Traffic Signs Regulations. Request the video footage — it must show your complete manoeuvre.

Road markings unclear: If the yellow box markings are faded, partially covered, or not clearly visible, you may not have been able to identify the junction as a box junction. Photograph the markings and include them in your appeal.

ULEZ Appeals

Vehicle compliance: Check your vehicle's actual emission standard on the DVLA website. Some vehicles that appear non-compliant are actually Euro 4/6 compliant — manufacturers sometimes register them with incorrect data. If your vehicle meets the standard, provide the V5C and manufacturer confirmation.

Grace period for recently purchased vehicles: If you recently purchased a compliant vehicle but the registration hasn't updated yet, provide proof of purchase and the vehicle's emission classification.

Evidence Requests You Should Always Make

Regardless of which type of TfL PCN you're appealing, always request:

• Complete, unedited video or photographic evidence relied upon
• Calibration records for any cameras used
• Proof that signage was compliant at the time of the alleged contravention
• The Traffic Management Order (TMO) or Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) authorising the restriction
• Evidence that the PCN was issued and served in accordance with statutory requirements

TfL is obligated to provide this evidence. If they cannot, it significantly weakens their case.

Key Deadlines

Common Mistakes People Make

Paying the discounted amount "just to be safe": Once you pay, you've accepted the charge. You cannot appeal after paying. If you think you have grounds, appeal first.

Writing emotional appeals: TfL adjudicators deal with thousands of appeals. "I didn't see the sign" without evidence isn't enough. Cite specific legislation, request specific evidence, and make structured legal arguments.

Missing the 28-day window: If you miss the formal representation deadline, you lose your right to appeal to London Tribunals. Set a reminder as soon as you receive the Notice to Owner.

Not escalating to London Tribunals: Many people accept TfL's rejection of their formal representation. But London Tribunals is independent and free — adjudicators regularly disagree with TfL. If you have a valid case, always escalate.