How to appeal a Penalty Charge Notice in the South East
Every council in the South 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 South East
- Councils covered
- 19
- 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 South East
Across the 19 councils, 2,664 PCNs appealed reached Traffic Penalty Tribunal in the latest published year. Motorists did best against Milton Keynes City Council (69.6% allowed) and least well against Portsmouth City Council (10.3%).
| Council | Appealed | Allowed | Higher PCN | Bus lanes | Moving traffic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brighton and Hove City Council | 814 | 32.9% | £70 | Yes | Yes |
| Reading Borough Council | 287 | 46.3% | - | Yes | Yes |
| West Berkshire Council | 8 | 37.5% | - | Yes | Yes |
| Wokingham Borough Council | 101 | 32.7% | - | Yes | Yes |
| Bracknell Forest Council | 9 | 55.6% | £70 | - | - |
| Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead | 79 | 57% | - | - | Yes |
| Slough Borough Council | 161 | 56.5% | £70 | Yes | Yes |
| Milton Keynes City Council | 23 | 69.6% | £70 | Yes | Yes |
| Buckinghamshire Council | 104 | 52.9% | £70 | Yes | Yes |
| Oxfordshire County Council | 34 | 38.2% | £70 | Yes | Yes |
| Hampshire County Council | 193 | 38.3% | - | Yes | Yes |
| Portsmouth City Council | 29 | 10.3% | - | Yes | Yes |
| Southampton City Council | 107 | 44.9% | - | Yes | Yes |
| Isle of Wight Council | 2 | 50% | - | Yes | - |
| Kent County Council | 8 | 50% | - | Yes | Yes |
| Medway Council | 324 | 18.8% | £70 | Yes | Yes |
| Surrey County Council | 347 | 47.6% | £70 | Yes | Yes |
| East Sussex County Council | 34 | 32.4% | £70 | Yes | - |
| West Sussex County Council | - | - | £70 | No | No |
“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 South East - frequently asked questions
Which tribunal hears council PCN appeals in the South East?
If a council in the South 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 South 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.
Draft your appeal now
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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.