TfL Code 33 PCN Appeal: Restricted Route (2026)

1. What does TfL Code 33 mean?

TfL Code 33 alleges using a route restricted to certain vehicles. The sign and any supplementary plate define which vehicles may use it; this is not the same allegation as driving along a conventional bus lane.

Contravention

Code 33: using a route restricted to certain vehicles

Issuing authority

Transport for London

Formal representation deadline

28 days beginning with service of the 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?

Read the permitted vehicle symbols, supplementary wording and operating hours on the approach. Match those permissions to your vehicle and the point where it entered the restricted route.

• Restriction and legal basis: the relevant order or other legal instrument must cover the road length, direction and operating period alleged. Check the operative article, schedule or map and any amendments.
• Sign placement: TSRGD Schedule 3 Part 5 direction 1 requires the terminal sign to be as near as practicable to where the restriction starts. Traffic Signs Manual paragraph 9.7.2 explains visibility before a driver commits to the turn. The layout determines whether one or two signs adequately inform approaching traffic.
• Visibility at the time: compare dated approach photographs with the recording. Check signs hidden by foliage, vehicles or street furniture, turned away from traffic, or showing an unreadable time plate.
• Night-time lighting: Schedule 3 Part 4 paragraph 4 applies to these signs. On roads above 20 mph within 50 metres of qualifying street lighting, its direct-lighting requirements apply subject to the stated conditions and exceptions.
• Vehicle and movement: the recording must identify the vehicle and show it using the restricted route during its operating period. Check which side of an island or which entry point the vehicle passed.
• Liability and notice: the PCN must identify the allegation and be addressed to the person liable under the applicable owner or hire provisions.

3. Grounds and exemptions for a TfL Code 33 appeal

Check the exact vehicle classes and exceptions in force at that location. Permission to use a different bus lane or restricted route does not automatically apply here.

• Your vehicle belonged to a permitted class or a stated exemption covered the journey.
• The restriction was not operating at the recorded time or did not apply to the route you took.
• The entry signs did not adequately convey the restriction from your approach.
• The recording, applicable sign or order does not establish the prohibited use alleged on the PCN.
• 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

Send your formal representation to TfL within 28 days beginning with service of the Code 33 PCN.

The initial 50% discount runs for 14 days beginning with the date of the 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 33 ground you rely on. Include evidence of the route's permitted vehicle classes, operating hours and entry signs.
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?

London Tribunals says the authority "should normally respond to representations within 3 months". Keep the acknowledgement showing when TfL received yours.

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.

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 33 grounds and include the notice, your representation and the supporting evidence.

If TfL contests the appeal, review its evidence pack against the route's permitted vehicle classes, operating hours and entry signs. 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: Routes restricted to certain vehicles

4 of 6 recorded cases were allowed (66.7%).

Full Code 33 PCN Appeal Guide

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