TfL Code 26 PCN Appeal: Double Parking (2026)

1. What does TfL Code 26 mean?

TfL Code 26 alleges parking where no part of the vehicle was within 50cm of the edge of the carriageway in a special enforcement area. Another parked vehicle does not need to be present for this 'double parking' allegation.

Contravention

Code 26 concerns parking away from the edge of the carriageway in a special enforcement area

Category

On-Street Parking PCNs

Issuing authority

Transport for London

Formal representation deadline

28 days beginning with service of the Notice to Owner or postal parking PCN.

Appeal route

TfL, then London Tribunals after a formal Notice of Rejection.

Penalty and discount

£160, reduced by 50% to £80 during the applicable discount period.

Appealing during the discount

TfL pauses the discount period when it receives your representation within that period. If rejected, the remaining discount period resumes from the point it was paused.

2. What must TfL establish?

This statutory prohibition does not need its own yellow line or prohibition sign. The key visual evidence is the actual carriageway edge and the nearest part of the vehicle. Signs and bay boundaries matter if they establish specifically authorised parking.

• Section 85 of the Traffic Management Act 2004 must apply to the location as a special enforcement area.
• No part of the vehicle may be within 50cm of the carriageway edge for this allegation to be established. Check the nearest bodywork and any edge in front or behind, not just the wheels.
• A vehicle wholly within a designated parking place or another part of the carriageway where parking is specifically authorised falls within a statutory exception.
• The loading exception requires delivery or collection involving premises and a position that could not reasonably be avoided. The stay must last only as long as necessary and no more than 20 minutes.
• Check the specific statutory conditions for necessary boarding or alighting, a stop beyond the driver's control or to avoid an accident, qualifying emergency use or specified necessary works.

3. Grounds and exemptions for a TfL Code 26 appeal

Necessary boarding or alighting, a stop outside the driver's control, accident avoidance and specified emergency or works activities have statutory conditions. Explain the activity and why this position was necessary.

• Some part of the vehicle was within 50cm of the carriageway edge. Use reliable photographs or measurements, not the apparent gap in one angled image.
• The vehicle was wholly within a designated parking place or another specifically authorised part of the carriageway.
• A statutory exception covered the stop, such as necessary loading that could not reasonably be carried out elsewhere and lasted no longer than necessary, up to 20 minutes.
• If ownership, hire liability, payment or the amount demanded is disputed, explain the applicable statutory ground and attach the records supporting it.

4. How to challenge your PCN with TfL

For an on-street parking ticket, send TfL an initial challenge. Formal representations are made within 28 days beginning with service of the Notice to Owner, or directly against a postal parking PCN.

The 50% discount normally runs for 14 days from service, or 21 days for an approved-device postal parking PCN. TfL pauses the discount period when it receives your representation within that period. If rejected, the remaining discount period resumes from the point it was paused.

1. Open TfL's PCN service below using your PCN number and vehicle registration.
2. Explain the Code 26 ground you rely on. Include evidence of the whole vehicle's distance from the carriageway edge and any necessary loading or passenger activity.
3. Submit in the name of the person or organisation on the notice, including written authorisation where a representative acts for them.
4. For a postal representation, use Red routes, PO Box 335, Darlington DL1 9PU. Keep a copy and allow time for delivery.
5. Save your completed submission, attachments and dated acknowledgement.

5. How long does TfL have to respond?

TfL must serve its decision within 56 days beginning with receipt of qualifying formal parking representations. If it does not, those representations are deemed accepted. This period applies to formal representations, not the initial informal challenge.

6. If TfL rejects your representation

Following a formal rejection, you have 28 days beginning with service to pay or register an appeal with London Tribunals. Use the appeal instructions and verification details supplied with TfL's decision.

An initial informal parking rejection is a different stage: formal representations can be made against the Notice to Owner if one follows.

7. Taking your TfL appeal to London Tribunals

Register with the Environment and Traffic Adjudicators at London Tribunals, the independent tribunal for this PCN. Set out your Code 26 grounds and include the notice, your representation and the supporting evidence.

If TfL contests the appeal, review its evidence pack against the whole vehicle's distance from the carriageway edge and any necessary loading or passenger activity. Respond to the tribunal's directions by the dates it gives you.

There is no fee to register an appeal. If refused, the full penalty is normally payable; the earlier discount does not automatically continue.

Other TfL notices and appeal routes

This contravention uses the Environment and Traffic Adjudicators route. TfL's ULEZ, LEZ, Congestion Charge and tunnel charging penalties use the separate Road User Charging Adjudicators route.

2025 TfL tribunal results: Parking more than 50cm from the carriageway edge

15 of 33 recorded cases were allowed (45.5%).

Full Code 26 PCN Appeal Guide

Read the detailed legislation, signage requirements, exemptions and case analysis for this contravention.