Traffic penalty charge notice appeals
If you receive a traffic Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) that you feel is unfair, you can challenge it. You can make a challenge online or by writing to us. Your challenge must be genuine and be supported by reasonable evidence.
Make a challenge online
To make a challenge, first view your 'Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) details' online using the form below. Enter your PCN number and your vehicle registration number, then select 'Search PCN'.
Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) details
The option to 'Make a Challenge' is near the top of the screen, alongside other useful options such as 'View map' to see where the PCN was issued, and 'View images' to see any photos taken by our enforcement officers.
When you make a challenge online, you'll be asked to:
- first, provide your contact details
- second, state whether you're the 'registered keeper' of the vehicle
- third, give 'your notes' on why you believe the PCN is unfair – you can also upload up to 3 documents as supporting evidence, if you wish
Any documents you wish to upload must be no more than 10MB in size and can be either DOC, DOCX, JPG, JPEG, PNG or PDF files.
If you received a PCN in Thurrock but don't know the PCN number, contact us at the address below, including your vehicle registration number and the date the PCN was issued.
Make a challenge in writing
You can also make your challenge by writing to us at the address below. You should include the PCN number, your vehicle registration number and the date the PCN was issued.
After you make a challenge
After you make a challenge, we will review your case and will advise you whether the PCN will be cancelled or must still be paid. Each case is considered on its own merits.
If your challenge is unsuccessful and the PCN is not cancelled:
- if your appeal was received within 28 days of the date of issue, a further 14 days will be allowed for you to pay the PCN at the discounted rate
- if your appeal was not received within 28 days of the date of issue, you will have to pay the PCN at the full rate
If the PCN is not cancelled and remains unpaid, the registered keeper of the vehicle will be sent a Notice to Owner (NtO) after 28 days. The NtO will enable you to make a formal representation on the form provided. Further details of our appeals process will be given on the form.
Appeals to an independent adjudicator
If we reject your challenge, you will still have the opportunity to appeal to an independent adjudicator, the Traffic Penalty Tribunal. Details of how to do this will be provided with the letter rejecting the challenge.
If your appeal to the adjudicator is successful, the PCN will be cancelled and you will receive formal confirmation in writing.
If your appeal is unsuccessful and the PCN is not paid, the charge will be increased by 50% as allowed by PCN regulations. If this is not paid, it will be registered as a debt and may be enforced by bailiffs.