I have received a PCN (penalty charge notice) - what do I do next?
If you have been given a PCN then it's because you have not obeyed a parking restriction. The exact reason will be on the PCN, along with a unique number, which you will need when you pay or appeal.
Scam warning
8 October 2024 - Swansea Council has been alerted to a scam involving fraudulent text messages claiming a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) has been issued by the DVSA. Please be aware that Swansea Council does not send text messages about PCNs; all official correspondence is done via letters. We obtain registered keeper details from the DVLA and do not have access to other personal data.
Some recipients of the scam message have clicked the included link to verify whether they have a PCN, but this directs them to a fake Government website. It's important to note that there is no central PCN database. Any PCNs issued by Swansea Council are stored in our system, not those of the DVLA or DVSA.
If you receive such a message and want to ensure that you do not have a PCN, please use on online service at Request a copy of your PCN number - Swansea or email Parking Services for assistance on car.parks@swansea.gov.uk.
The worst thing you can do is ignore a PCN - it WON'T go away and it will cost you more.
- Important deadlines
- Option 1 - pay the PCN
- Option 2 - Challenge the PCN
- Reason for the PCN
- Get independent advice
Important deadlines
- If you don't pay or make an informal challenge within 14 days you will become liable for the full charge of the PCN (£70 or £50), instead of getting a 50% reduction.
- If you don't pay the full charge (£70 or £50) within 28 days of the PCN being given, a notice to owner will be sent to the DVLA registered keeper.
- After 28 days from the day you receive the notice to owner, if you still haven't paid or made a formal representation then a charge certificate will be sent and the penalty charge increases by a further 50% (£105 or £75). If you receive a charge certificate you must pay the charge within 14 days. There is no right to make a challenge at this stage.
- If you still do not pay the charge, it may be registered as a debt in the County Court and debt recovery will be pursued, using bailiffs. The bailiffs will charge you for this.
Option 1 - pay the PCN
Pay a PCN / parking fine Pay a PCN / parking fine
You will be able to get a 50% reduction if payment of the PCN is made within 14 days of the date of issue. Once you have paid the PCN you have accepted liability for the penalty charge and can no longer make a challenge against the PCN.
Your PCN will show whether you have been charged £50 or £70. This will depend on the seriousness of the violation:
More serious violations = £70 (discounted to £35 if paid within 14 days)
This is normally where the driver of the vehicle is regarded as having taken no steps to park correctly. For example, where the vehicle has been parked on yellow lines, in a disabled bay without the required permit or at a bus stop / stand.
Less serious violations = £50 (discounted to £25 if paid within 14 days)
This is where the driver of the vehicle has attempted to park correctly. For example where they are displaying an expired pay and display ticket for the date in question.
The charges have been set by the Department for Transport and are identified by the contravention code the penalty charge notice has been issued on. The civil enforcement officers have no discretion when issuing the penalty charge notice if it to be of the higher or lower charge.
Option 2 - Challenge the PCN
If you think you have received a fine in error or have a good reason that you want to tell us about, you can challenge a parking fine. Have a look at the guide to PCNs for acceptable reasons to challenge: Guide to PCNs
If you decide to challenge a parking fine then you should not pay it until you know the outcome of your appeal.
To challenge a parking fine you will need:
- the PCN number (for example WJ12345678)
- the vehicle registration number
Informal challenge
You can challenge a parking fine any time up to 28 days after the date the fine was issued. However, if you challenge your fine within 14 days of receiving it you will only pay the reduced amount, even if your challenge is unsuccessful.
Make an informal challenge Challenge a PCN
Formal representation
You can make a formal representation if:
- your informal challenge is rejected and you want to appeal against this decision, or
- you haven't paid the PCN after 28 days and receive a 'notice to owner'
- you will have a further 28 days from the date on the 'notice to owner' to make a formal representation
- you will need the web code printed on your 'notice to owner' letter, your WJ reference number and your vehicle registration number
You do not need to have made an informal challenge to make a formal representation.
Make an formal representation Challenge a PCN
If your formal representation is rejected, we will notify you of this by letter. This letter will also tell you how you can appeal this decision. The appeal will be dealt with by the Traffic Penalty Tribunal (opens new window) and their decision will be final.
Other ways of challenging your fine
By post
Please write to us at: Parking Services, PO Box 588, Swansea SA1 9GD
You will need to quote the number from your fine, which will start with WJ. You will also need to clearly state the reasons why you want to challenge the fine.
If you need help with this, you can call 01792 636000.
You cannot challenge a parking fine over the phone or in person. It must be done in writing.
Reason for the PCN
A contravention code appears on the PCN issued to your vehicle. This code tells the driver or owner why the ticket has been issued:
Get independent advice
If you want independent advice on how to deal with your PCN visit: PATROL (Parking and Traffic Regulations Outside London) (opens new window)