TfL Code 52 PCN Appeal: Restricted Vehicles (2026)

1. What does TfL Code 52 mean?

TfL Code 52 alleges failing to comply with a prohibition on certain types of vehicle. Read the suffix and wording on the notice: the restriction may concern goods vehicles, motor vehicles or another defined class.

Contravention

Code 52: failing to comply with a prohibition on certain types of vehicle

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?

Identify the actual prohibition sign, any weight figure, supplementary plate and permitted exceptions. Match the vehicle's relevant classification and weight basis to that restriction; the photograph alone may not establish every required characteristic.

• The restriction applied to that road and time: check the start and end points, direction, operating hours and any relevant order commencement or amendment.
• The vehicle fell within the prohibited class: for a goods-vehicle limit, establish the relevant maximum gross weight. An empty lorry is not necessarily below its permitted maximum, but the authority still needs evidence of the vehicle characteristic it alleges.
• The restriction was adequately signed from your approach: compare the actual signs, plates and visibility with the order and prescribed or specially authorised signing.
• The CCTV proves the relevant entry or use: check the registration, route, time and point of crossing, including whether the vehicle remained outside the restricted length.
• The notice and owner liability are correct: examine the actual documents for a vehicle-identification, ownership, hire, service or material wording issue. Do not import private-parking keeper-liability rules.

3. Grounds and exemptions for a TfL Code 52 appeal

Access, permit and vehicle-class exceptions depend on the exact sign and order. This traffic restriction is separate from paying a tunnel, Congestion Charge or ULEZ charge.

• Your vehicle did not fall within the prohibited class or weight category stated by the restriction.
• An exemption shown on the sign or contained in the applicable order covered the journey.
• The approach signs did not adequately convey the prohibition, or it did not apply at the recorded time.
• The evidence identifies the wrong vehicle, route or restriction and does not establish the allegation.
• 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 52 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 52 ground you rely on. Include evidence of the prohibited vehicle class, sign wording and any applicable access or vehicle exemption.
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 52 grounds and include the notice, your representation and the supporting evidence.

If TfL contests the appeal, review its evidence pack against the prohibited vehicle class, sign wording and any applicable access or vehicle exemption. 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 vehicle types

78 of 242 recorded cases were allowed (32.2%).

Full Code 52 PCN Appeal Guide

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