Parking Mate UK
A vehicle Penalty Charge Notice is normally fixed to the vehicle or handed to the person appearing to be in charge by a civil enforcement officer.
The first response is normally an Informal Challenge to the issuing council. If it is not resolved, the registered owner may later receive a Notice to Owner.
What This PCN Means
The vehicle Penalty Charge Notice starts the council parking enforcement process at the location of the alleged contravention.
- Check the issuing council.
- Check the Penalty Charge Notice number.
- Check the contravention code and description.
- Check the location, date and observation times.
- Read the challenge and payment instructions.
Keep the complete Penalty Charge Notice and take location photographs promptly.
Make the Informal Challenge
The Informal Challenge is submitted to the council that issued the Penalty Charge Notice.
- Upload the Penalty Charge Notice.
- Check the council photographs and civil enforcement officer notes.
- Match the facts to the relevant challenge ground.
- Prepare and submit the Informal Challenge.
Keep the submission confirmation and evidence.
Check the Informal Challenge Deadline
Use the date and instructions printed on the Penalty Charge Notice. The notice may state a reduced payment period and a separate period before the Notice to Owner can be served.
- Record the issue date.
- Record the reduced payment deadline.
- Record the Informal Challenge date.
- Keep proof of submission.
Check whether the council explains how it treats the reduced amount while an Informal Challenge is considered.
Prepare the Contravention Evidence
The evidence should answer the contravention alleged on the Penalty Charge Notice.
- Council photographs and officer notes.
- Location, sign and road marking photographs.
- Payment or parking application records.
- Permit, Blue Badge or exemption evidence.
- Loading, collection or breakdown records.
Evidence should show the location, time and connection to the alleged contravention.
Check the Informal Challenge Grounds
The challenge should explain why the contravention did not occur, why an exemption applies or why the council should cancel the Penalty Charge Notice.
- The alleged contravention did not occur.
- The signs or road markings were inadequate.
- Payment, permission or an exemption applied.
- The vehicle was not at the stated location or time.
- Compelling mitigation supports cancellation.
Use the exact contravention code and available evidence.
Prepare Your Informal Challenge
Parking Mate UK prepares the Informal Challenge against the vehicle Penalty Charge Notice.
- Penalty Charge Notice and vehicle details.
- Contravention code and disputed facts.
- Challenge grounds.
- Supporting evidence.
- A request for the council to cancel the penalty.
The £9.99 service covers the current Informal Challenge stage.
£9.99
Challenge Your Vehicle PCN
Upload the vehicle Penalty Charge Notice and evidence. Parking Mate UK prepares your Informal Challenge and submits it to the issuing council for £9.99.
Send It to the Council
The Informal Challenge is submitted to the council using the online portal, email address or postal address printed on the Penalty Charge Notice.
- Enter the Penalty Charge Notice number.
- Enter the vehicle registration.
- Attach the challenge and evidence.
- Save the council confirmation.
The Informal Challenge is not sent to the independent tribunal.
If the Council Rejects It
An Informal Challenge rejection may explain payment options and that a Notice to Owner can follow if the Penalty Charge Notice remains unpaid.
- Keep the rejection letter.
- Check any payment period offered.
- Wait for the Notice to Owner if continuing the challenge.
- Use Formal Representations at the Notice to Owner stage.
A tribunal appeal is not normally available directly from an Informal Challenge rejection.
