United Kingdom · Appeal guide

PCN Tribunal Escalation Explained

When the council or operator refuses your appeal, the tribunal is the next stop. Here is what each body does, what it costs and what it looks at.

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

Traffic Penalty Tribunal (TPT) — England outside London

TPT handles council PCN appeals outside Greater London — bus lanes, parking, and moving-traffic contraventions. Hearings can be on the papers, by telephone, by video or in person. Free to appeal and you do not need a solicitor.

London Tribunals — Greater London

London Tribunals (formerly the Parking and Traffic Appeals Service) handles PCN appeals from all 32 London boroughs and TfL. Same three hearing types, same free-to-appeal model.

POPLA / IAS — private operators only

POPLA (BPA operators) and IAS (IPC operators) handle private parking charge appeals. POPLA is free; an IAS standard appeal is free if registered within 28 days of the operator's refusal (a non-standard one costs £15). The biggest grounds at both are PoFA defects, signage, and code-of-practice breaches.

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Frequently asked questions

If I lose at tribunal, what happens?

You must pay the full PCN within 28 days. There is no further statutory appeal except in narrow circumstances — judicial review of a tribunal decision is possible but costly.

How long does a tribunal decision take?

Most paper-based decisions arrive within 6-8 weeks. In-person and video hearings can be quicker but require attendance.

Can I claim costs if I win?

No costs are awarded between parties at TPT, London Tribunals, POPLA or IAS — but if you win, the PCN is cancelled in full and the council/operator pays nothing back to you beyond cancelling the debt.

More United Kingdom guides

How to Appeal a Parking Fine in the UK What Is a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)?How Long Do I Have to Appeal a PCN?Can I Appeal a PCN if I Have Already Paid?