Penalty charge notices (PCNs) issued in council car parks

Pay or appeal a PCN and what happens if you do not pay.

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What happens if you do not pay a penalty charge notice (PCN)

You have 28 days to pay your PCN.

Notice to owner

If after 28 days you have not paid, we will send you a formal document called a 'notice to owner'. This is sent to the registered keeper of the vehicle, which is provided to us by the DVLA. 

This statutory notice confirms to the registered keeper:

  • that a PCN has been issued
  • the contravention details
  • the amount payable
  • how to pay the PCN
  • what will happen if it remains unpaid
  • how to make a representation (appeal) against it 

Charge certificate

If you still do not pay the PCN for a further 28 days, we will send a second formal document called the ‘charge certificate’. 

This statutory notice confirms:

  • that the case remains outstanding
  • to the registered keeper that they have lost their right to make a representation or appeal
  • an increase to the charge of 50% – for a parking PCN, this increases to £75 

Warrant of control

If the charge still remains unpaid, we may then apply directly to the Traffic Enforcement Centre for a warrant of control. 

This may result in the appointment of an enforcement agent, commonly known as a bailiff, to recover any outstanding amount. 

Court registration adds another £10 to the charge. If enforcement agents are instructed to recover the debt, they will add their statutory costs to the amount due.