What is a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)?
A Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) can be issued by Transport for London (TfL) if you do not pay the congestion charge, ULEZ, or Blackwall or Silvertown tunnel tolls before using them. A PCN can also be issued for traffic offences such as parking on a red route.
The process for challenging PCNs depends on the offence. We recommend you read and follow the correct information at the links below, depending on your circumstances.
Blackwall and Silvertown tunnel
I have received a PCN. Can London TravelWatch help?
All representations must first be made to TfL and the appeal process followed in its entirety. After this , London TravelWatch can consider further appeals made to us but we are not an official PCN appeals body. This means that we will try to help where we can but we cannot overturn a decision made by the Road User Charging Adjudicators/London Tribunals or Tfl.
Challenging PCNs
All PCNs should usually be challenged within 28 days of receiving the notice, but check the conditions.
I want to make a challenge but it’s outside the 28 day window
TfL do not have to accept challenges made after 28 days. If you do still want to make a challenge this must be made by post as a late challenge is not accepted online. Please be sure to explain why you could not contact them within the timeframe and provide supporting evidence.
I have made a challenge/representation to TfL and I am unhappy with the outcome
Information on next steps is called a Notice to Appeal form. This will have been provided with TfL’s response to you which is called a Notice of Rejection.
London TravelWatch will consider appeals from passengers depending on their individual circumstances. We would not consider appeals that raise more general concerns such as road speed, space and restrictions.
If you have received a penalty fare when travelling on public transport, visit our penalty fares page
