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Challenge a penalty charge notice

If you dispute a penalty charge notice (PCN) then you will need to make a formal representation within 28 days from the date the postal PCN was deemed served.

All cases will be considered based on their individual circumstances. You must always quote the PCN number, vehicle registration in all correspondence.

Before you challenge

To challenge a PCN, you must send copies of any evidence you think would be relevant to your representation. Please remove any irrelevant personal information or data from what you send us.

Do not send original copies of any evidence.

You may not make a representation if:

  • you have already paid the PCN. This will close the case.
  • you have received a Charge Certificate, as by this time it will be too late to appeal.

Make a challenge

Submit your representation online

If you wish to make a representation by post, send your evidence to: PO Box 379, Sheffield, S98 1YS. Make sure you send the:

  • PCN number
  • vehicle registration
  • full postal address and email address (if available) in all correspondence.

What happens next

Once we have received your representation, we will add it to your case. Your case will then be put on hold whilst we review. A member of our team will then contact you. We have 56 days in which to reply but aim to respond fully within 14 days of the receipt of any representation.

If we get your representation after 28 days of the date of the service of the PCN, we may not accept it.

Accept or reject your representation

Once we consider your representations, we will either send you a:

  • Notice of Acceptance of Formal Representations' if we agree that you should not pay the penalty
  • Notice of Rejection of Formal Representations if we feel that you should pay.

If we cancel the PCN, you do not have to pay the penalty.

Appeal the decision

Before you appeal, read our rejection letter. This will explain the reasons as to why we are not cancelling the PCN. The main evidence against you is the PCN itself as well as photographs and video footage. If we submit new evidence, we will send you details before the hearing date.

You may only appeal to the Traffic Penalty Tribunals after your representations to us have been rejected. The grounds of appeal are the same as for making representations.

You must appeal within 28 days from receipt of the ‘Notice of Rejection of Formal Representations’ or your appeal may not be considered. If you are submitting a late appeal you will need to explain why, so that the adjudicator can decide whether to accept it. The adjudicators act as an independent tribunal. Their decision is final (subject to an adjudicator’s review) and binding on you and us. There is no opportunity to challenge your liability to pay the PCN in court.

Make sure you send in copies of any supporting evidence even if you are unsure of its relevance. The adjudicator may find it important.

Charge Certificates

We may issue a Charge Certificate 28 days after:

  • a ‘Notice to Owner’ has been served and the council receives no payment or representation.
  • representations have been made and rejected and no payment has been received and no appeal has been made.
  • an appeal to the adjudicator has been refused and no payment has been made.

Find out more about Charge Certificates and Order for Recovery.