Transport for LondonChallenging a penalty
Your penalty charge notice will tell you how long you've got to make a representation against the penalty. See on which grounds you can make a representation.
Contact us
Telephone: 0845 603 4545 or 020 8253 7000.
We'll cancel the penalty immediately
If you have enough evidence and we agree with you.
You can still challenge us in writing (make a representation)
If we don't come to an agreement with you over the phone.
Email us
We'll count an email as a formal representation but please remember to attach/include all relevant evidence to support your claim. Please make sure that you quote your PCN number, the Vehicle Registration Mark, your contact details and the reasons why you wish to challenge the Penalty.
Make a representation
If you want to formally challenge your penalty you can write to us either by email or by post. This is called a representation.
When you do this depends on why you've been charged. Just follow the instructions on the PCN.
We are happy to consider any challenge before we issue a charge certificate.
When we receive your representation your discounted period to pay the charge is frozen. If we don't agree with your representation and you decide to pay the charge then the discounted period starts again.
When you can make a representation
For bus lanes, box junctions, banned turns and parking (CCTV) PCNS
Within 28 days of receiving your PCN.
For parking, where you get a PCN on the street
Once you've received an enforcement notice or a notice to owner - we'll send this if we haven't heard from you within 28 days of receiving the PCN.
You can contact us at any time during the PCN process.
Sometimes we accept late challenges if you explain why.
If we accept your representation
We will cancel the PCN and send you written confirmation.
If we reject your representation
We will send you a notice of rejection which will tell you what you should do next.
If we need more evidence
We will let you know in writing or call you if we can to let you know if we need more evidence.
If you receive a notice of rejection you can
- Pay now
- Appeal to the Parking and Traffic Appeals Service (PATAS)
If you haven't paid or contacted us or responded to the notice of rejection then you'll receive a charge certificate
The charge then increases to £195.
You'll receive an order for recovery
If you don't pay within another 14 days we'll send you an Order for recovery.
Appealing to PATAS
You can lodge an appeal with PATAS within 28 days of receiving a notice of rejection from us.Complete the form that comes with the notice of rejection. Provide all the evidence you feel will support your case and send this directly to PATAS:
Parking and Traffic Appeals Service
PO Box 279
Chertsey
KT16 6BU
PATAS will notify you and TfL of the hearing date (TfL will also receive a copy of your appeal). It is then our responsibility to lodge a defence against your appeal or not to contest your challenge. This defence is sent to you and the adjudicators, who will use it to decide the outcome of the charge.
If PATAS allows your appeal, we will promptly cancel the penalty charge. If your appeal is not allowed, we will continue to enforce the penalty charge. You will normally receive a charge certificate as a result.
Order for recovery
The order for recovery increases the charge by £7 to £202 and also includes a statutory declaration or witness statement. This covers the debt registration process.A statutory declaration/witness statement is your final opportunity to challenge the PCN process. Follow the guidance which is enclosed when you receive the statutory declaration or witness statement.
You have up to 21 days to respond to the order for recovery which is your last opportunity to pay the charge or file a statutory declaration/witness statement.
If we don't receive payment or a statutory declaration/witness statement a warrant will be issued to the bailiffs to recover the outstanding money.
