United Kingdom · Appeal guide

How Long Do I Have to Appeal a PCN?

Every stage of the UK PCN process has a strict statutory deadline. Miss one and you lose the right to appeal. Here is exactly when each clock starts and how long you have.

By Beat It Editorial Team · Last reviewed 2026-05-28

14 days — informal challenge with discount preserved

From the date the PCN was served on the vehicle, you have 14 days to make an informal challenge and still be eligible for the 50% discount if your challenge is rejected. Most councils will pause the discount clock while they consider your representation.

28 days — formal representations after the Notice to Owner

If the informal challenge is rejected (or you skip straight to formal), the council issues a Notice to Owner (NTO) within 6 months. From the date the NTO is served, you have 28 days to make formal statutory representations under TMA 2004 section 73.

28 days — tribunal appeal after Notice of Rejection

If your formal representations are rejected, the council issues a Notice of Rejection. From its date you have 28 days to appeal to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal (or London Tribunals in London). After this deadline the council can issue a Charge Certificate and the right to appeal is gone.

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Frequently asked questions

What if the PCN never arrived in the post?

Service-of-notice defects are themselves a statutory ground for appeal. You can ask the council for an out-of-time review and, if refused, apply to the tribunal for permission to appeal out of time.

Does the deadline pause over weekends or bank holidays?

No. The clock runs in calendar days, not working days. If the deadline falls on a weekend the courts will usually accept submission on the next working day, but do not rely on this.

Can I extend the deadline by emailing the council?

No — only a formal statutory application can extend the time. Emailing in good faith does not stop the clock; you must submit the actual representation within the deadline.

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