How to Appeal a TfL Penalty Charge

Transport for London (TfL) is responsible for enforcing parking and traffic regulations on the Transport for London Road Network (TLRN) — the network of major roads across London that includes red routes. TfL also enforces bus lane restrictions, the Congestion Charge, the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), and the Low Emission Zone (LEZ). TfL issues Penalty Charge Notices under the same legal framework as London borough councils — the Traffic Management Act 2004 and related regulations. The appeal process is identical: informal challenge, formal representation, and appeal to London Tribunals. TfL penalties are set at London rates: £160 for higher-level contraventions and £130 for lower-level contraventions on the TLRN. Congestion Charge and ULEZ penalties have their own specific amounts. All TfL PCNs are eligible for the 50% early payment discount if paid within 14 days.

TfL issues several types of penalty charge notices: **Red route PCNs** are issued for stopping, parking, or loading on red routes during restricted hours. Red routes are marked by red lines (single or double) and red route signs. Common contraventions include Code 46 (stopped where prohibited on a red route or clearway) and Code 47 (stopped on a restricted bus stop). **Bus lane PCNs** are issued for driving in a bus lane during its operating hours. These are almost always enforced by CCTV cameras. The standard code is 34 (being in a bus lane). **Congestion Charge PCNs** are issued if you drive within the Congestion Charge zone during charging hours without paying the daily charge. The charge must be paid by midnight on the day of travel, or by midnight the following day (with a late payment surcharge). **ULEZ PCNs** are issued if a non-compliant vehicle enters the ULEZ zone without paying the daily charge. Since August 2023, the ULEZ covers all of Greater London. The charge is £12.50 per day for most vehicles. **LEZ charges** apply to older, more polluting heavy vehicles (lorries, buses, coaches) that do not meet emission standards.

TfL's online system makes it straightforward to challenge a PCN. Visit tfl.gov.uk and navigate to the PCN section. You will need your PCN number and vehicle registration to access the challenge form. When submitting your challenge, select the ground that best matches your situation. Common grounds include: the contravention did not occur, the signs or lines were not clearly visible, there were mitigating circumstances, or you were exempt from the charge. Upload your evidence directly through the online portal. TfL accepts photographs, documents, and written statements. Make sure your evidence is clear and relevant — for example, photographs showing obscured signs, your valid exemption documentation, or proof of payment. TfL aim to respond to informal challenges within 25 working days. While your challenge is being considered, the 14-day discount period is paused. If your challenge is successful, the PCN is cancelled. If rejected, TfL will explain why and advise you of the next steps.

London Tribunals (formerly PATAS — the Parking and Traffic Appeals Service) is the independent adjudication service for all parking and traffic penalty appeals in London, including TfL penalties. London Tribunals handles appeals against PCNs issued by TfL and all London borough councils. The adjudicators are independent lawyers who are not employed by or affiliated with TfL or any council. To appeal, submit your case online through the London Tribunals website within 28 days of receiving the Notice of Rejection. Upload your evidence and a written summary of your case. TfL will submit their response, which you can review. Most cases are decided on the papers, but you can request a hearing by telephone, video, or in person at the London Tribunals office. The hearing is informal — there is no cross-examination or formal legal procedure. The adjudicator will ask questions to clarify the facts and make a decision. If your appeal is allowed, the PCN is cancelled. If it is refused, you must pay the penalty within 28 days. The process is completely free.

The Congestion Charge is a daily charge for driving within the central London charging zone during charging hours (7am-6pm, Monday to Friday, and 12pm-6pm on weekends and bank holidays). The daily charge is £15. If you fail to pay, TfL issues a PCN for £160 (reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days). You can appeal on grounds including: you paid the charge on time, your vehicle was exempt (e.g. disabled badge holders, ultra-low emission vehicles), you were not driving within the zone, or there were mitigating circumstances. Common grounds for appeal include: you paid but the payment system did not register it (keep your confirmation), your vehicle was registered for an exemption or discount but the system did not apply it, or you were genuinely not in the zone (e.g. a camera misread your number plate). If you forgot to pay but realise within the next day, you can pay the charge plus a £2.50 surcharge by midnight the day after travel, which avoids a PCN being issued.

The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) covers all of Greater London. If your vehicle does not meet the emission standards (Euro 4 for petrol, Euro 6 for diesel) and you drive within the zone, you must pay a daily charge of £12.50. Failure to pay results in a PCN of £160 (reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days). You can check whether your vehicle is ULEZ-compliant using TfL's online vehicle checker. If your vehicle is compliant but you received a PCN, this is a straightforward appeal — provide your vehicle details and the compliance check result. Other grounds for appeal include: you had a valid exemption or grace period (e.g. historic vehicles registered before 1977, military vehicles, certain disabled vehicles), the camera misidentified your vehicle or number plate, or you were not driving within the zone. Note that the ULEZ charge is separate from the Congestion Charge — if you drive a non-compliant vehicle within the central London zone during charging hours, you may owe both the ULEZ charge and the Congestion Charge.