How to appeal a Penalty Charge Notice in the North East
Every council in the North East of England 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
- the North East
- Councils covered
- 7
- 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 the North East
Across the 7 councils, 110 PCNs appealed reached Traffic Penalty Tribunal in the latest published year. Motorists did best against Hartlepool Borough Council (50% allowed) and least well against Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council (0%).
| Council | Appealed | Allowed | Higher PCN | Bus lanes | Moving traffic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Durham County Council | 37 | 37.8% | - | - | - |
| Northumberland County Council | 39 | 25.6% | - | - | - |
| Hartlepool Borough Council | 2 | 50% | - | - | - |
| Middlesbrough Council | 16 | 37.5% | - | - | - |
| Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council | 10 | 30% | - | - | - |
| Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council | 0 | 0% | - | - | - |
| Darlington Borough Council | 6 | 16.7% | - | - | - |
“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 the North East - frequently asked questions
Which tribunal hears council PCN appeals in the North East?
If a council in the North East 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 the North East?
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.