How to appeal a Penalty Charge Notice in Wales
Every council in Wales 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
- Wales
- Councils covered
- 22
- 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 Wales
Across the 22 councils, 893 PCNs appealed reached Traffic Penalty Tribunal in the latest published year. Motorists did best against Torfaen County Borough Council (66.7% allowed) and least well against Wrexham County Borough Council (0%).
| Council | Appealed | Allowed | Higher PCN | Bus lanes | Moving traffic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiff Council | 280 | 36.4% | - | - | - |
| Swansea Council | 166 | 45.8% | - | - | - |
| Newport City Council | 73 | 35.6% | - | - | - |
| Wrexham County Borough Council | 1 | 0% | £70 | - | - |
| Isle of Anglesey County Council | 1 | 0% | £70 | - | - |
| Gwynedd Council | 20 | 40% | £70 | - | - |
| Conwy County Borough Council | 26 | 19.2% | - | - | - |
| Denbighshire County Council | 9 | 55.6% | £70 | - | - |
| Flintshire County Council | 3 | 33.3% | £70 | - | No |
| Powys County Council | 9 | 11.1% | - | - | - |
| Ceredigion County Council | 5 | 20% | £70 | - | No |
| Pembrokeshire County Council | 9 | 44.4% | - | - | - |
| Carmarthenshire County Council | 57 | 36.8% | £70 | Yes | Yes |
| Neath Port Talbot Council | 18 | 38.9% | - | - | - |
| Bridgend County Borough Council | 50 | 34% | £70 | - | No |
| Vale of Glamorgan Council | 54 | 46.3% | - | - | - |
| Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council | 54 | 51.9% | - | - | No |
| Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council | 18 | 38.9% | - | - | - |
| Caerphilly County Borough Council | 29 | 31% | - | - | - |
| Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council | 8 | 12.5% | £70 | - | No |
| Torfaen County Borough Council | 3 | 66.7% | £70 | - | No |
| Monmouthshire County Council | 0 | 0% | £70 | - | - |
“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 Wales - frequently asked questions
Which tribunal hears council PCN appeals in Wales?
If a council in Wales 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 Wales?
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.