Challenge a parking fine (PCN)
If you believe your penalty charge notice (PCN) was wrongly issued, you can challenge it.
Challenges must be received in writing, either online or by post.
For moving traffic offences, view challenge a fine for moving traffic offences instead.
Challenge within 28 days (informal challenge)
You have 28 days to make an informal challenge. If you pay the fine within 14 days of its issue, the charge is discounted by 50%.
The challenge can be made by the:
- registered keeper of the vehicle
- person who was driving the car when the PCN was given
Before you make your challenge, you will have the option to use our checker.
The checker will ask you a few questions and help you decide whether it's worth paying or challenging your PCN.
You can also make an informal challenge by writing to us at: Buckinghamshire Parking Services, PO Box 3584, Chippenham SN15 9EF.
We aim to respond within 10 working days from when we receive the challenge.
If you wrote to us to make a challenge we will post our response to you in writing (unless an email address is provided).
If we reject your informal challenge and you made it during the discount period, you may be given another 14 days to pay the parking fine at the discounted rate.
But if the informal challenge was made after the discount period, the full charge will apply.
If you do not pay within 28 days (formal challenge)
If you do not pay within 28 days of the PCN being issued, we will contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to find out who the vehicle's registered keeper is and send them a Notice to Owner (NtO) which gives a further 28 days to pay or make a formal challenge.
We aim to respond within 10 working days from when we receive the challenge.
If you wrote to us to make a challenge, we will post our response to you in writing (unless an email address is provided).
If we accept your formal challenge, the case will be closed and you will not need to pay the parking fine.
If we reject your formal challenge, we will send the owner of the vehicle a 'notice of rejection'.
This letter will include:
- instructions on how to pay the PCN
- information on how to challenge to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal
If your formal challenge is rejected
If we reject your formal representation, we will tell you why and give advice on how to challenge with the Traffic Penalty Tribunal.
Their decision is final. If your challenge is rejected by them, we will send you a letter confirming the decision and the options available to you.
If your challenge is not accepted and you do not pay the charge, we are able to register the debt with the Traffic Enforcement Centre at Northampton County Court. If payment is still not made, the debt could be transferred to an enforcement agent, also known as a bailiff. An Enforcement Agent is able to add their costs to the amount due.
If you've lost your PCN number
If you lose your PCN fine reference number, contact us and let us know:
- your vehicle registration number (also known as a number plate, licence number or licence plate)
- the date the PCN was issued
- details on where you were parked when the PCN was issued