Parking Fine Deadlines: Every Date You Need to Know

Every Parking Fine Deadline You Need to Know

Missing a deadline in the parking fine appeals process can cost you money and limit your options. This comprehensive guide covers every important deadline for both council PCNs and private parking charges.

Council PCN Deadlines

14 days: Pay with 50% discount

You have 14 days from the date of the PCN to pay at the discounted rate (50% off). For PCNs served by post (e.g., CCTV enforcement), the 14 days starts from the date of service.

14 days: Make an informal challenge (recommended)

While not strictly required, making an informal challenge within 14 days is advisable. The discount period is usually frozen during an informal challenge.

28 days: Pay at full rate (if no challenge made)

If you do not challenge the PCN and do not pay within 28 days, the council will issue a charge certificate and the amount increases by 50%.

56 days: Council must serve Notice to Owner

The council must serve a Notice to Owner (NtO) within 56 days of the contravention (or 56 days from when the PCN was served). If they miss this deadline, the PCN becomes unenforceable.

28 days from NtO: Make formal representations

You have 28 days from the date of the NtO to make formal representations to the council.

56 days: Council must respond to formal representations

The council should respond to your formal representations within 56 days. If they do not, the PCN may be deemed cancelled (though practice varies).

28 days from rejection: Appeal to tribunal

If your formal representations are rejected, you have 28 days to appeal to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal (outside London) or London Tribunals (in London).

28 days after tribunal rejection: Pay or face enforcement

If you lose at tribunal, you have 28 days to pay. After this, the council can register a debt at the Traffic Enforcement Centre and proceed to enforcement.

Private Parking Charge Deadlines

14 days: NtK must be served

Under POFA 2012, the operator must serve the Notice to Keeper within 14 days of the vehicle leaving the land (or within 14 days of receiving DVLA data). If they miss this, keeper liability does not transfer.

28 days: Pay at initial rate

Most charges offer a lower initial amount if paid within 28 days. After this, the charge typically increases.

28 days: Appeal to operator

You usually have 28 days from the date of the charge to appeal to the operator. Check the specific notice for the exact deadline.

28 days from rejection: Escalate to POPLA/IAS

If the operator rejects your appeal, you typically have 28 days to escalate to POPLA (BPA members) or IAS (IPC members). The rejection letter will include the deadline and an appeal code.

6 years: Limitation period

Under the Limitation Act 1980, the operator has 6 years from the date of the alleged contravention to bring a County Court claim. After 6 years, the claim is statute-barred. In Scotland, the period is 5 years.

Key Deadlines at a Glance

What to Do If You Have Missed a Deadline

Missed the 14-day discount: You can still challenge the PCN through formal representations and tribunal. You may get the discount reinstated if your challenge succeeds.

Missed formal representations: In exceptional circumstances, the council or tribunal may accept late representations. Explain why you missed the deadline (e.g., you were in hospital, the NtO was sent to the wrong address).

Missed the tribunal deadline: Contact the tribunal to request an extension. Late appeals are accepted in exceptional circumstances.

Missed the County Court response deadline: Apply immediately to have the default judgment set aside. You will need to show you have a real prospect of defending the claim and that you acted promptly once you became aware of the judgment.