Incorrect Vehicle Details on PCN — Wrong Colour or Plate Typo

A PCN must accurately record the vehicle registration number and vehicle description (make, model, colour). A typographical error in the registration number or an incorrect vehicle colour is a material error that renders the PCN invalid, as it cannot be said with certainty to relate to your vehicle. Minor errors may be excused if the vehicle is otherwise identifiable, but significant errors are fatal to the PCN.

Legal basis

Civil Enforcement of Road Traffic Contraventions (Approved Devices, Charging Guidelines and General Provisions) (England) Regulations 2022 (SI 2022/71) reg.9 + Schedule 2 (prescribed contents of PCN); Traffic Management Act 2004 sch.7.

How to identify this in your case

Check the PCN face carefully against your V5C registration document. Look for: transposed digits in the plate, wrong colour recorded, wrong make/model. Even a one-character plate error is arguable if it would cause the PCN to identify a different registered vehicle.

Sample appeal wording

Dear Representations Team, Re: PCN [NUMBER] I write to formally represent against this PCN on the ground that it contains a material error in a prescribed field. The PCN records the vehicle registration as [WRONG PLATE / WRONG COLOUR]. My vehicle's correct registration is [CORRECT REG] and it is [CORRECT COLOUR]. A PCN must contain an accurate vehicle registration number as a prescribed mandatory field under the Civil Enforcement of Parking Contraventions (England) General Provisions Regulations 2007, regulation 8. This error is not a minor administrative matter — it means the PCN does not unambiguously identify my vehicle. I attach a copy of my V5C demonstrating the correct details. I request immediate cancellation. Yours faithfully, [NAME]

Replace [PARKING DATE], [NtK DATE] etc. with your own dates before sending.

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Sources

Civil Enforcement of Parking Contraventions (England) General Provisions Regulations 2007 reg.8