Parking contravention · code 49

Parked wholly or partly on a cycle track or lane (code 49)

Contravention code 49 — "Parked wholly or partly on a cycle track or lane" — is one of the standard parking contraventions that councils enforce under the Traffic Management Act 2004. Enforcement of this code has grown quickly alongside protected cycle infrastructure and LTN schemes. Any part of the vehicle over the cycle track is enough — a wheel on the line is commonly ticketed. 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: 49
What it is: Parked wholly or partly on a cycle track or lane
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 49 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 49 PCN

Pick the statutory ground that genuinely fits your situation — including the ones below that are specific to code 49.

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.
No part of the vehicle was over the cycle track or lane.
The lane was an advisory cycle lane (a broken white line) with no waiting restriction in force at that time, rather than a mandatory one.
The cycle-lane markings were worn, incomplete or non-compliant with TSRGD.

How to appeal, step by step

1
Match your evidence to code 49
Pick the ground that genuinely fits "Parked wholly or partly on a cycle track or lane" 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 49 PCNs — frequently asked questions

What does PCN contravention code 49 mean?

Code 49 is the national civil-enforcement code for "Parked wholly or partly on a cycle track or lane" — 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 49 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 49 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 49 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 49 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 14 — EV bay, not charging Code 26 — parked too far from the kerb Code 28 — parked on a raised carriageway Code 99 — stopped on crossing zig-zags Code 01 — parked on yellow lines Code 02 — loading where banned All codes →

Appeal a council PCN

Code 49 can be issued by any council in England & Wales. Start from your area:

All councils London Greater Manchester West Midlands West Yorkshire