Council Fine CheckWhat Islington enforces
- Parking
- Enforces
- Bus lanes / gates
- Enforces — with an Enforcement Notice stage
- Moving traffic
- Enforces — postal PCNs
- Penalty level
- Band A: £160 higher level, £110 lower level (London Councils)
- Appeals
- London Tribunals (free)
About Islington PCNs
Islington's online PCN system lets you view the images and footage before deciding, then make a representation from the same page: enter the registration and PCN number, choose 'make a representation' rather than 'pay PCN', and explain why the PCN is wrong. The council suggests writing your case in a document first and pasting it in, because the form can time out. If you cannot use the website, you can write to Islington Parking Services in Sheffield. Do not pay if you intend to challenge, and if your vehicle was towed you must release it from the pound before challenging.
Islington sets out what happens if a PCN is ignored. A Charge Certificate adds 50% after a postal moving traffic PCN, a Notice to Owner for on-street parking, or an Enforcement Notice for a bus lane goes unanswered. If the increased charge is not paid within 14 days the debt can be registered at the Traffic Enforcement Centre, and the council adds a £10 registration surcharge on the Order for Recovery. After a further 21 days it can ask for a warrant of control and pass the case to an enforcement agent, who will serve a notice of enforcement.
One point the council makes clearly: once you have a Charge Certificate or an Order for Recovery, you can no longer make representations about the PCN; the Order for Recovery letter explains how to make a statement to the court instead.
How to challenge a Islington PCN
- Check the deadline. A camera PCN sent by post gets a 50% discount if paid within 14 days; representations are normally due within 28 days of the notice being served.
- Make representations to the council using its online challenge form or by post to Islington Parking Services, PO Box 384, Sheffield S98 1TA. Quote the PCN number and the grounds that apply.
- If rejected, appeal to London Tribunals within 28 days of the Notice of Rejection. The adjudicator is independent of Islington.
London penalty levels from 7 April 2025: Band A £160/£110, Band B £140/£90; bus lane and moving traffic £160 (London Councils).
Questions
Can I challenge an Islington PCN after a Charge Certificate?
No. Islington says representations cannot be made once a Charge Certificate or Order for Recovery has been issued. The Order for Recovery explains how to make a statement to the court if one of the permitted reasons applies.
How much does Islington add at the Order for Recovery stage?
Islington says it adds a £10 surcharge for registering the debt at the Traffic Enforcement Centre.
Where do I send a postal challenge to Islington?
Islington Parking Services, PO Box 384, Sheffield S98 1TA.
Where do I appeal a Islington PCN if my challenge is rejected?
To London Tribunals, which is independent of the council. Appeals are free and must normally be made within 28 days of the Notice of Rejection.