How to appeal to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal

The Traffic Penalty Tribunal (TPT) decides appeals against council parking and traffic PCNs in England outside London, and in Wales. It is free, almost entirely online, and its adjudicators are independent of the council (TPT).

Before you can appeal

You must first make formal representations to the council. If it rejects them it sends a Notice of Rejection, which includes a PIN you need to start the appeal. You cannot appeal straight away against a PCN you have not challenged with the council.

The deadline

Appeal within 28 days beginning with the date the Notice of Rejection was served, or within any longer period the adjudicator allows (SI 2022/576, reg 7(2)). If you are late, explain why: the adjudicator can accept a late appeal but does not have to.

What the adjudicator looks at

The adjudicator considers your representations to the council, anything extra you add on the same grounds or compelling reasons, and the council's case (reg 7(4)). If a statutory ground applies, the adjudicator must allow the appeal and can direct the council to cancel and refund (reg 7(5)-(6)).

If no ground applies but there are compelling reasons, the adjudicator can recommend that the council cancels. The council must reply within 35 days; if it does not, it is treated as accepting the recommendation (reg 7(8)-(13)).

How it is decided

Most appeals are decided online on the evidence (an "e-Decision"), with telephone or video hearings when needed. Upload your statement, photos of the signs, the council's evidence and any documents. TPT says most cases finish within 14 days.

If you lose

You pay the penalty within 28 days. If you do not, a Charge Certificate can add 50%. Reviews of a decision are only possible in limited circumstances.

The full pack includes an appeal statement set out ground by ground, ready to upload.

Questions