Council car parks and other off-street places run by the council.
What the council's evidence usually is
Photos and permit check.
Points to check before you pay
Send your permit details.
If one of these applies, the usual statutory ground is that the contravention did not occur. Other grounds (not the owner, stolen vehicle, already paid, wrong amount, procedural impropriety) apply whatever the code. The checker shows which fit your case.
How much is a code 85 PCN?
Outside London, councils charge higher level contraventions at £60 or £70 depending on their band, halved if paid early (SI 2022/71, Sch 3). In London it is £160 (Band A) or £140 (Band B) from 7 April 2025 (London Councils). Wales sets its own levels: check your PCN.
Questions
What does PCN code 85 mean?
Parked without a valid virtual permit or clearly displaying a valid physical permit where required. No valid permit in a permit-only council car park or area.
Is code 85 a higher or lower level contravention?
It is a higher level parking contravention, so it is charged at the council's higher rate.
Can I challenge my code 85 PCN?
Free. Your answers stay on this device; nothing is sent to us.
Get a ready-to-send challenge letter
Built from your checker answers, quoting the statutory grounds that fit. You see the letter before you pay, then send it yourself.