Challenge a PCN

Stage 1 – informal appeal

The first stage of an appeal is to make an informal challenge. You do not have to submit a challenge at this stage to be able to make formal representations or submit an appeal at the later stages. However doing so may allow your case to be resolved more quickly. 

Appeal a parking ticket online.

Please include: 

• your penalty charge notice number 
• any evidence to support your challenge, such as: 
  • a valid pay and display ticket 
  • a repair note for a broken down vehicle 
  • a delivery note or a pre-paid receipt for loading 

Please consider your reasons carefully. 

We will tell you our decision either:

• by e-mail if your informal challenge is made online or you provide an e-mail address or 
• by post if your informal challenge is made by post. 

If your challenge is successful we will cancel the penalty charge notice.  If your challenge is unsuccessful we will tell you why, and explain the options available to you. 

If we reject your challenge, you’ll normally have another chance to pay at the 50% reduced rate. This is only if we receive your challenge within 14 days of receiving the penalty charge notice. You’ll need to pay within 14 days of the date on your letter of rejection. If you don’t, you’ll have to pay the full amount. 

Stage 2 – representation 

If : 

• your informal challenge is rejected or 
• if you choose not to submit an informal challenge or 
• If your PCN is issued by post 

The registered keeper of the vehicle (as listed with the DVLA) can make a formal representation.  This is the second stage of an appeal or first if your PCN is served by post. 

Once the registered keeper has received the Notice to Owner/Penalty Charge Notice, they can: 

• use the form on the back to make a formal representation or 
• submit the form online 

Submit formal representations online 

The registered keeper can make a formal representation for any of the reasons shown on the page below: 

• Traffic Penalty Tribunal’s grounds of appeal 

They can also give other reasons why the penalty charge notice should be cancelled. 

We’ll write to the registered keeper with our decision. If the formal representation is successful, we’ll cancel the penalty charge notice. 

If we reject the formal representation, the registered keeper can either: 

• pay the full rate penalty charge
• appeal to an independent adjudicator 

Stage 3 – appeal to an independent adjudicator 

This is the third stage of an appeal.  If we reject the formal representation, we’ll send you details of how to appeal with our decision.  

You can also find out more about appealing to an independent adjudicator on the Traffic Penalties Tribunal website. 

Using our Challenge a PCN online process will provide a quicker response. 

If you prefer to post your challenge our address is below. 

Reading Borough Council 
PO BOX 3011 
Reading 
RG1 9RY