Parking contravention · code 46

Stopped where prohibited - red route or clearway (code 46)

Contravention code 46 - "Stopped where prohibited (on a red route or clearway)" - is one of the standard parking contraventions that councils enforce under the Traffic Management Act 2004. Issued for stopping on a red route (single or double red lines) or a clearway, where stopping is banned even briefly. A council PCN is a statutory civil penalty, not a private invoice, so it must be challenged through the proper channel within the deadlines - but codes are misapplied more often than drivers expect, and a rejected challenge can be taken, free, to an independent adjudicator.

Contravention code: 46
What it is: Stopped where prohibited (on a red route or clearway)
Category: Parking contravention
Penalty level: Higher-level
Where it applies: On-street, by a civil enforcement officer or camera
Typical penalty: £160/£140 in London, around £70 elsewhere - halved if you pay within 14 days
Appeal route: Challenge the council → Notice to Owner → London Tribunals (London) or the Traffic Penalty Tribunal (England & Wales)

Councils may word code 46 slightly differently. The code and the evidence on your notice are what define the alleged contravention - always use the official channel and reference printed on it.

Grounds for challenging a code 46 PCN

Pick the statutory ground that genuinely fits your situation - including the ones below that are specific to code 46.

The contravention did not occur - for example you were parked or driving lawfully, a valid ticket, permit or exemption applied, or the restriction was not in force at that time.
The signs, road markings or the Traffic Regulation Order did not comply with the regulations (TSRGD), so the restriction was not lawfully indicated.
There was a procedural error - the PCN, the Notice to Owner, or the statutory wording or timing was defective.
You were not the owner/keeper when it was issued, the vehicle had been taken without consent, or you are a hire firm with a valid hiring agreement.
The penalty exceeded the amount applicable in the circumstances, or there are compelling mitigating circumstances the authority should consider.
The red-route signs or markings were missing, worn or non-compliant.
You stopped in a marked red-route bay or box where stopping was permitted at that time, or you were forced to stop by traffic conditions.

How to appeal, step by step

1
Match your evidence to code 46
Pick the ground that genuinely fits "Stopped where prohibited (on a red route or clearway)" and collect proof - sign and marking photos, permit, ticket or the camera images.
2
Challenge within 14 days, then make formal representations
An early challenge protects the 50% discount; if a Notice to Owner follows, respond on a statutory ground within 28 days.
3
Appeal free to the tribunal if rejected
London Tribunals in London, the Traffic Penalty Tribunal elsewhere in England & Wales - you do not pay first.

Code 46 PCNs - frequently asked questions

What does PCN contravention code 46 mean?

Code 46 is the national civil-enforcement code for "Stopped where prohibited (on a red route or clearway)" - a parking contravention under the Traffic Management Act 2004. Your council may word it slightly differently, so always go by the code and the evidence printed on your own notice. The code on your notice, together with the camera images or the enforcement officer's observation, is what defines the alleged contravention.

How much is a code 46 PCN, and is there a discount?

The penalty is £160 in inner London (Band A) or £140 in outer London (Band B), and typically around £70 elsewhere in England. Most councils freeze the 50% discount while they consider a challenge made within the first 14 days - so challenge promptly rather than paying if you believe the PCN is wrong.

Can I appeal a code 46 PCN?

Yes. Challenge it with the council first - informally and as soon as possible. If that is rejected and a Notice to Owner is served, make formal representations within 28 days. If those are rejected too, you can appeal for free to an independent adjudicator - London Tribunals in London, or the Traffic Penalty Tribunal elsewhere in England & Wales - and you do not have to pay the penalty before the tribunal decides.

Can AppealIQ write my code 46 appeal letter?

Yes. Enter your PCN details and the ground that genuinely fits, and AppealIQ drafts a formal, statute-aware challenge letter you can send to the council or use at the tribunal. Your first letter each calendar month is free; after that, extra letters are £2.99 each, paid once - there is no subscription.

Draft your code 46 appeal now

AppealIQ writes a formal, statute-aware letter tailored to your situation.

1 free letter every month, then £2.99 per extra letter - no subscription. See pricing

Appealing for a specific reason?

The parking signs were unclear, hidden, or missing I was loading or unloading

Nearby contravention codes

Code 27 - parked at a dropped kerb Code 40 - disabled bay, no Blue Badge Code 45 - stopped on a taxi rank Code 47 - stopped on a bus stop Code 48 - on school zig-zags Code 62 - pavement / footway parking All codes →

Appeal a council PCN

Code 46 can be issued by any council in England & Wales. Start from your area:

All councils London Greater Manchester West Midlands West Yorkshire