How to appeal a Penalty Charge Notice in London
Every council in London 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 London Tribunals. Choose your council below to start your appeal.
- Area
- London
- Councils covered
- 33
- 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
- London Tribunals · official site ↗
Councils in London
Across the 33 councils, 40,936 appeals reached London Tribunals in the latest published year. Motorists did best against Hillingdon Council (83.2% allowed) and least well against Southwark Council (23.3%).
| Council | Appealed | Allowed | Higher PCN | Bus lanes | Moving traffic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barking and Dagenham Council | 1,555 | 48.8% | £160 | - | - |
| Barnet Council | 1,288 | 43.7% | £160 | - | - |
| Bexley Council | 414 | 44.1% | £160 | Yes | Yes |
| Brent Council | 1,225 | 44.3% | £160 | Yes | Yes |
| Bromley Council | 369 | 37.4% | £160 | Yes | Yes |
| Camden Council | 1,385 | 37% | £160 | - | - |
| City of London Corporation | 332 | 45.5% | £160 | Yes | Yes |
| Croydon Council | 1,475 | 39.6% | £160 | - | Yes |
| Ealing Council | 973 | 29.6% | £160 | Yes | Yes |
| Enfield Council | 849 | 33.5% | £160 | - | Yes |
| Royal Borough of Greenwich | 848 | 57.9% | £160 | - | - |
| Hackney Council | 967 | 25.2% | £160 | Yes | Yes |
| Hammersmith and Fulham Council | 747 | 45.5% | £160 | Yes | Yes |
| Haringey Council | 2,168 | 47.6% | £160 | Yes | Yes |
| Harrow Council | 870 | 42.6% | - | Yes | Yes |
| Havering Council | 1,183 | 51.9% | £160 | Yes | Yes |
| Hillingdon Council | 376 | 83.2% | £140 | Yes | Yes |
| Hounslow Council | 999 | 53.2% | £160 | Yes | Yes |
| Islington Council | 2,502 | 40.1% | £160 | Yes | Yes |
| Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea | 477 | 47% | £160 | - | Yes |
| Kingston upon Thames Council | 419 | 45.2% | £140 | Yes | Yes |
| Lambeth Council | 3,340 | 51.2% | - | Yes | Yes |
| Lewisham Council | 1,334 | 44.5% | £160 | Yes | Yes |
| Merton Council | 645 | 51.3% | £160 | Yes | Yes |
| Newham Council | 3,226 | 47.9% | £160 | Yes | Yes |
| Redbridge Council | 3,490 | 62.9% | £160 | Yes | Yes |
| Richmond upon Thames Council | 359 | 43.6% | £140 | Yes | Yes |
| Southwark Council | 2,395 | 23.3% | £160 | Yes | Yes |
| Sutton Council | 107 | 23.5% | £140 | Yes | Yes |
| Tower Hamlets Council | 729 | 34.9% | £160 | Yes | Yes |
| Waltham Forest Council | 1,345 | 41.8% | £160 | Yes | Yes |
| Wandsworth Council | 803 | 31.4% | £160 | Yes | Yes |
| Westminster City Council | 1,742 | 65.1% | £160 | No | Yes |
“Appealed” counts appeals at London Tribunals; “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 London - frequently asked questions
Which tribunal hears council PCN appeals in London?
If a council in London rejects your formal representations, you can appeal - for free - to an independent adjudicator at London Tribunals (Environment and Traffic Adjudicators). 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 London?
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.
Draft your appeal now
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Not from a borough? TfL and London road charges
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.