TfL Code 36 PCN Appeal: Cycle Lane (2026)

1. What does TfL Code 36 mean?

TfL Code 36 concerns driving in a mandatory cycle lane when prohibited. Identify the precise allegation: entering a protected cycle lane is different from parking or stopping beside one.

Contravention

Code 36: being in a mandatory cycle lane

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?

Check the cycle-lane signs, boundary marking and start and end of the restriction. Establish whether the alleged location was a mandatory lane and which conditions applied at the time.

• Mandatory lane, not another facility: identify the solid boundary and the part of the carriageway reserved for cycles. Distinguish a broken-line section, separate track or cycle waiting area at traffic lights.
• Operating period: compare the CCTV timestamp with the time panel and the legal restriction. A missing time panel on diagram 959.1 normally means continuous operation, not that the restriction is inactive.
• Legal basis: a mandatory with-flow lane can be provided without a traffic order. If the PCN relies on a traffic management order, its operative provisions must cover the lane and movement alleged. A mandatory contraflow lane requires an order.
• Complete movement: examine where the vehicle crossed the boundary and what happened next. A recording ending at the apparent stop may not resolve an explanation that the vehicle was turning into adjacent premises.
• Adequate signs and markings: assess visibility from the approach and the condition of the boundary. Reflectorisation and sign illumination have their own rules; there is no universal requirement for two upright signs or direct lighting on every cycle-lane sign.
• Correct vehicle and person: check the registration and vehicle appearance, owner or hire records and any evidence that the number plate was cloned.

3. Grounds and exemptions for a TfL Code 36 appeal

Any access, crossing or emergency exception must belong to the restriction at that location. Do not treat every need to turn across a cycle lane as unrestricted permission to drive along it.

• The vehicle did not enter the restricted cycle lane shown in the allegation.
• The restriction was not operating or the relevant signs and markings did not adequately convey it.
• The recorded manoeuvre fell within an applicable exception or authorised direction. Explain the movement and supply the supporting evidence.
• 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 36 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 36 ground you rely on. Include evidence of the mandatory cycle-lane boundary, restriction and recorded vehicle movement.
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 36 grounds and include the notice, your representation and the supporting evidence.

If TfL contests the appeal, review its evidence pack against the mandatory cycle-lane boundary, restriction and recorded vehicle movement. 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 London Tribunals results: shared context

2 of 7 recorded cases were allowed (28.6%).

Full Code 36 PCN Appeal Guide

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