TfL Code 50 PCN Appeal: Prohibited Turn (2026)

1. What does TfL Code 50 mean?

TfL Code 50 alleges performing a prohibited turn: 50L is a left turn, 50R a right turn and 50U a U-turn. The camera evidence must establish the particular manoeuvre alleged and the prohibition must apply to that approach at that time.

Contravention

Code 50: performing a prohibited turn

Variants

50L left turn; 50R right turn; 50U U-turn

Category

Moving-traffic contravention

Evidence

The recorded turn, approach signs and applicable restriction

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?

Compare the no-left-turn, no-right-turn or no-U-turn sign with the movement shown in the recording. Check its visibility before the decision to turn, any operating hours or exceptions, and the approach covered by the traffic order.

• A restriction covering this turn: Ask for the Traffic Management Order (TMO), also called a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), where the turn ban is imposed by an order. Check the operative article, road schedule, amendments, commencement date, direction of travel, hours and exceptions. The wording must cover the movement and location alleged, not a different junction or a different approach. TSRGD Schedule 3, Part 5, direction 1 links these signs to an underlying prohibition or restriction imposed by a statutory provision, order or another listed legal instrument. A TMO is the usual starting point, but the authority should identify the actual legal instrument it relies upon. A missing copy in an initial reply does not itself prove that no restriction exists.
• Signs that adequately communicate that restriction: For an order governed by the 1996 Traffic Orders Procedure Regulations, regulation 18 requires the authority to place and maintain signs giving road users adequate information about its effect. Compare the actual signing with the order: the prohibited direction, operating hours and any exception must tell a consistent story. The Traffic Signs Manual explains placement. For an unsignalised left- or right-turn restriction, Chapter 3 paragraph 4.5.3 places the sign immediately before the junction, normally on the left. Paragraph 4.2.9 explains the use of a prohibited-turn sign at an unsignalised T-junction. A second sign or advance warning can be appropriate to the layout; there is not a blanket rule that every Code 50 junction must have two signs. For no U-turns, Chapter 3 paragraphs 4.11.1-4.11.3 distinguish a junction, a gap in a central reservation and a restriction extending along a road. The guidance on placement, distance plates and repeat signing differs accordingly. Signal-controlled junctions require the signal-specific arrangements to be checked too. The Manual is guidance; distinguish its recommendations from mandatory TSRGD directions.
• Visibility from the driver's approach, including at night: Photograph what could be seen before the turn, from the lane and direction used. Include foliage, scaffolding, parked vehicles, the angle of the sign and any competing information. A close-up showing a readable sign does not necessarily establish that an approaching driver could read it in time. Lighting is conditional. For the relevant Schedule 3 signs, Part 4 paragraph 4 contains a direct-illumination requirement where the road's speed limit is above 20 mph and the sign is within 50 metres of a street-lighting lamp, subject to the stated exceptions and operating conditions. Check those facts before alleging a lighting defect. There is no universal rule that every turn sign needs its own lamp. Road arrows may reinforce the message. Their absence is not automatically a defence to a prohibited turn: identify any marking actually required for the installation rather than importing yellow-line or parking-bay rules.

3. Grounds and exemptions for a TfL Code 50 appeal

Read any exception plate with the traffic order. Permission for buses, access or another class is location-specific; a sat-nav route or an otherwise safe turn does not create an exemption.

• The recording does not prove the specific left turn, right turn or U-turn alleged.
• The approach sign was obscured or did not adequately convey the prohibition before the turn.
• The traffic order or restriction did not cover the manoeuvre, approach or time recorded.
• A stated exemption or authorised direction applied to the vehicle and journey.
• 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 50 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 50 ground you rely on. Include evidence of the prohibited manoeuvre, approach signs and traffic order at the junction.
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 50 grounds and include the notice, your representation and the supporting evidence.

If TfL contests the appeal, review its evidence pack against the prohibited manoeuvre, approach signs and traffic order at the junction. 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: Prohibited turns

278 of 663 recorded cases were allowed (41.9%).

Full Code 50 PCN Appeal Guide

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