TfL Code 46 PCN Appeal: Red Route Stopping (2026)

1. What does TfL Code 46 mean?

TfL Code 46 alleges stopping where prohibited on a red route or clearway. Double red lines prohibit stopping at any time; single red lines operate during the signed hours. A red-route parking or loading bay has its own conditions and permitted periods.

Contravention

Code 46 alleges stopping where prohibited on a red route or clearway

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?

Double red lines do not need a time plate. A single red line has signed operating hours. For a marked bay, read every panel: the no-stopping period and the separate parking, loading or Blue Badge permission. A red-route clearway can be signed without continuous red lines.

• TfL must identify the red-route restriction and the position and time of the alleged stop.
• The applicable red lines, clearway signs or bay conditions must adequately convey the restriction. Double red lines do not require a time plate.
• The camera recording or officer's evidence must establish the prohibited stop and be assessed alongside any permitted bay use or applicable exception.

3. Grounds and exemptions for a TfL Code 46 appeal

A Blue Badge does not permit general parking on red lines. TfL permits picking up or setting down the badge holder with the badge displayed and prompt departure. Loading must take place where and when permitted; a delivery is not a general red-line exemption.

• The vehicle complied with a signed parking or loading permission, including the correct time, purpose and maximum stay.
• A single-red-line restriction was not operating when TfL recorded the stop.
• The camera evidence does not establish the alleged prohibited stop, or TfL has identified the wrong position or restriction.
• A permitted activity or compelled stop explains the event. Show the full sequence and the conditions supporting that exception.
• 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 46 ground you rely on. Include evidence of the red-route signs, bay conditions, stopping time and any permitted 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 46 grounds and include the notice, your representation and the supporting evidence.

If TfL contests the appeal, review its evidence pack against the red-route signs, bay conditions, stopping time and any permitted 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: Red-route and clearway stopping

1,110 of 2,846 recorded cases were allowed (39.0%).

Full Code 46 PCN Appeal Guide

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