TfL Code 47 PCN Appeal: Bus Stop (2026)

1. What does TfL Code 47 mean?

TfL Code 47 alleges stopping at a restricted bus stop or stand. The evidence must establish a prohibited stop within the restricted area, not simply a vehicle passing the stop or queuing in an adjacent lane.

Contravention

Code 47 concerns stopping on a restricted bus stop or stand

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?

Record the full bus-stop or stand marking, its start and end and any operating sign. TfL red-route bus stops can use different red-line arrangements; permission at one type must not be assumed at another.

• The bus-stop or stand markings and relevant upright no-stopping sign must establish the restricted area, permitted buses and operating period.
• The vehicle must be stationary within that area; an overhanging part of the vehicle or load can count. A still image of a vehicle passing through does not establish a stop.
• The sign's distinction between buses and local buses, and the permitted service activity, must be respected. Bus-lane access does not automatically authorise a bus-stop stay.
• Any taxi, emergency, direction or unavoidable-stop exception must satisfy the applicable conditions. A restricted bus-stop marking can convey the prohibition without a separate traffic order.

3. Grounds and exemptions for a TfL Code 47 appeal

A Blue Badge, an ordinary delivery or passenger collection by a private car is not general permission to use a bus stop. TfL says a wide red line at a bus stop does not permit taxis or private-hire vehicles to stop.

• The vehicle was outside the restricted stop or stand, or the recording shows movement rather than the alleged stop.
• The vehicle and activity were permitted by the restriction operating there.
• Traffic conditions, an authorised direction or an unavoidable event required the stop and met the relevant exception.
• The applicable restriction was not adequately conveyed by the signs and markings.
• 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 47 ground you rely on. Include evidence of the bus-stop boundary, stopping restriction and reason for the stop.
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 47 grounds and include the notice, your representation and the supporting evidence.

If TfL contests the appeal, review its evidence pack against the bus-stop boundary, stopping restriction and reason for the stop. 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

87 of 440 recorded cases were allowed (19.8%).

Full Code 47 PCN Appeal Guide

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