How to appeal a Penalty Charge Notice in the South West
Every council in the South West 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 West
- Councils covered
- 12
- 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 West
Across the 12 councils, 1,866 PCNs appealed reached Traffic Penalty Tribunal in the latest published year. Motorists did best against Bath and North East Somerset Council (61.9% allowed) and least well against Gloucestershire County Council (14%).
| Council | Appealed | Allowed | Higher PCN | Bus lanes | Moving traffic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bristol City Council | 1,025 | 40.2% | - | Yes | Yes |
| Bath and North East Somerset Council | 215 | 61.9% | - | Yes | Yes |
| North Somerset Council | 68 | 23.5% | £70 | Yes | No |
| Somerset Council | 60 | 51.7% | - | - | - |
| Gloucestershire County Council | 57 | 14% | - | Yes | Yes |
| Wiltshire Council | 17 | 41.2% | - | - | - |
| Swindon Borough Council | 35 | 22.9% | £70 | Yes | - |
| Dorset Council | 22 | 40.9% | - | - | Yes |
| Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council | 90 | 17.8% | £70 | - | - |
| Devon County Council | 115 | 38.3% | £70 | - | Yes |
| Plymouth City Council | 85 | 41.2% | - | - | - |
| Cornwall Council | 77 | 24.7% | £70 | - | Yes |
“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 West - frequently asked questions
Which tribunal hears council PCN appeals in the South West?
If a council in the South West 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 West?
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.