What is a contravention code?

A contravention code is a 2-digit number on your PCN that identifies the specific parking offence. Each code corresponds to a different type of parking violation.

What do the suffixes mean on a PCN code?

Suffixes (like "a", "j", "c") provide additional detail about where or how the contravention occurred. For example, suffix "j" typically means a loading bay.

What is the difference between higher and lower penalty levels?

Higher level penalties are for more serious contraventions (like parking on double yellow lines) and cost more. Lower level penalties are for less serious offences (like overstaying in a car park).

PCN Code 01 Explained: Meaning, Fine & Appeal

Code 01 means parked in a restricted street during prescribed hours

Reviewed 9 August 2026

It is a higher-level parking contravention, commonly used where a vehicle is parked on a yellow-line restriction while that restriction applies. “Prescribed hours” means the restriction was operating at the recorded date and time.

Check these four things before deciding what to do

1Match the PCN date, time, location and vehicle details to what actually happened.
2Review the council photographs and CEO notes, including any recorded observation period.
3Photograph the yellow lines, nearby time plates and controlled-zone entry signs as they appeared.
4Keep proof of any relevant loading, Blue Badge use, breakdown, emergency or other exemption you rely on.

London Councils lists yellow-line parking as higher level. The current higher-level charge is £160 in Band A (reduced to £80 for early payment) and £140 in Band B (reduced to £70). Other authorities and older PCNs can carry different amounts, so the amount printed on your PCN controls. Check current London charges or read the GOV.UK challenge overview. This is general information, not legal advice.

Penalty Information

Current London full amountsBand A £160 · Band B £140

Current London reduced amountsBand A £80 · Band B £70

The actual amount depends on the issuing authority, location and PCN date. Check your notice for the exact amount and deadline.

Important Notes

Code specific suffixes apply. Suffixes y & z for disabled badge holders only.

Code Variations (Suffixes)

This code can have different suffixes indicating specific circumstances:

01aPermit holder only electric vehicle charging bay

01jCamera enforcement

01oBlue badge holder

01yElectric solo motorcycle bay

01zz

When Is Code 01 Typically Issued?

You parked on a single or double yellow line during controlled hours without realising the restriction was in force.
You stopped briefly to drop off or pick up a passenger on a restricted street.
The parking restriction sign was obscured by foliage, other signs, or street furniture.
You were loading or unloading goods but spent longer than the allowed observation period.

Tribunal Case Data

We've analysed 24,545 tribunal cases for Code 01. Upload your ticket to get a personalised analysis based on real outcomes.

Upload your PCN and our AI will write a personalised appeal letter using real tribunal wins.

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Tips for Appealing Code 01

Check the alleged date, time and location against the hours shown by nearby signs or the controlled parking zone.
Review all council photographs and request the Civil Enforcement Officer notes if they are not available online.
Photograph the restriction, time plates, yellow lines and approach to the location as soon as practical.
If you rely on loading, Blue Badge use, a breakdown or an emergency, explain exactly what happened and attach records that support it.

The specific grounds that apply depend on your circumstances. Our AI can help identify the strongest arguments for your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does contravention code 01 mean?▾

Parked in a restricted street during prescribed hours

How much is the fine for code 01?▾

Code 01 is a higher level penalty. In London, the current full amounts are Band A £160 · Band B £140, with early-payment amounts of Band A £80 · Band B £70. The actual amount and deadline can vary by authority, location and PCN date, so check the notice.

Can I appeal a code 01 parking ticket?▾

You can challenge a council PCN using the stages and deadlines shown on the notices. Check the issuer policy before relying on the reduced amount being re-offered after an unsuccessful challenge. A Notice to Owner enables a formal representation, and a Notice of Rejection explains the independent tribunal route.

What are the deadlines for appealing a code 01 PCN?▾

Use the deadline on each document. The PCN states the initial challenge and payment periods, the Notice to Owner gives the formal-representation deadline, and the Notice of Rejection gives the tribunal-appeal deadline.

What does “parked in a restricted street during prescribed hours” mean?▾

It means the authority says the vehicle was parked on a street where a waiting restriction applied at that date and time. Code 01 is commonly associated with single or double yellow-line restrictions.

What evidence is useful for a Code 01 challenge?▾

Useful evidence can include the council photographs and CEO notes, dated photographs of the lines and signs, payment or permit records, and documents supporting any exemption or unavoidable event you rely on.

Code 01 means parked in a restricted street during prescribed hours

Check these four things before deciding what to do

Penalty Information

Important Notes

Code Variations (Suffixes)

When Is Code 01 Typically Issued?

Tribunal Case Data

Tips for Appealing Code 01

Frequently Asked Questions

Got Code 01?

Free Appeal Templates

Related Codes

PCN code 01: Parked in a restricted street during prescribed hours

Code 01 means parked in a restricted street during prescribed hours

Check these four things before deciding what to do

Penalty Information

Important Notes

Code Variations (Suffixes)

When Is Code 01 Typically Issued?

Tribunal Case Data

Tips for Appealing Code 01

Frequently Asked Questions

Got Code 01?

Free Appeal Templates

Related Codes