How to appeal a Penalty Charge Notice in Greater Manchester
Every council in Greater Manchester enforces parking - and, where designated, bus-lane and moving-traffic - contraventions by issuing statutory Penalty Charge Notices under the Traffic Management Act 2004. The process is the same across the area: an informal challenge within 14 days to protect the 50% discount, then a Notice to Owner, formal representations within 28 days, and - if rejected - a free appeal to an independent adjudicator at Traffic Penalty Tribunal. Choose your council below to start your appeal.
- Area
- Greater Manchester
- Councils covered
- 10
- Type of notice
- Statutory PCN (Traffic Management Act 2004)
- Discount window
- Pay/challenge within 14 days to keep the 50% discount
- Formal stage
- Notice to Owner → 28 days to make representations
- Independent tribunal
- Traffic Penalty Tribunal · official site ↗
Councils in Greater Manchester
Across the 10 councils, 1,563 PCNs appealed reached Traffic Penalty Tribunal in the latest published year. Motorists did best against Trafford Council (62.3% allowed) and least well against Rochdale Borough Council (26.1%).
| Council | Appealed | Allowed | Higher PCN | Bus lanes | Moving traffic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester City Council | 943 | 53.6% | - | Yes | Yes |
| Salford City Council | 115 | 42.6% | £70 | Yes | Yes |
| Trafford Council | 53 | 62.3% | - | Yes | Yes |
| Stockport Council | 112 | 46.4% | £70 | Yes | Yes |
| Bolton Council | 85 | 40% | £70 | Yes | Yes |
| Wigan Council | 19 | 26.3% | - | Yes | Yes |
| Oldham Council | 45 | 46.7% | - | Yes | Yes |
| Rochdale Borough Council | 69 | 26.1% | £70 | Yes | Yes |
| Bury Council | 60 | 26.7% | £70 | Yes | Yes |
| Tameside Council | 62 | 37.1% | - | - | - |
“Appealed” counts PCNs appealed at Traffic Penalty Tribunal; “Allowed” is the share decided in the motorist's favour. Each figure's source and date is on the council's own page. - means not published or not checked.
Appealing a PCN in Greater Manchester - frequently asked questions
Which tribunal hears council PCN appeals in Greater Manchester?
If a council in Greater Manchester rejects your formal representations, you can appeal - for free - to an independent adjudicator at Traffic Penalty Tribunal. The adjudicator is independent of the council, and you do not have to pay the penalty before the tribunal decides.
How long do I have to challenge a PCN from a council in Greater Manchester?
Make an informal challenge as soon as possible. Pay or challenge within 14 days to keep the 50% discount - most councils freeze the discount while they consider an early challenge. If the council rejects your challenge it issues a formal Notice to Owner, and you then have 28 days to make formal representations.
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Got a charge from a private car park instead? See our guides by parking operator and by appeal reason.
Not legal advice. A council PCN is a statutory penalty - never ignore it; use the channel and deadlines printed on your notice.