Contravention codes and Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) fees

About contravention codes

Each PCN is linked to a specific contravention code, which explains the reason the PCN was issued.

This page lists all codes with clear explanations to help you understand why a PCN was issued and whether you may wish to submit an appeal.

You can find your contravention code on your PCN.

How much your Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) will cost

Find out whether a fine is higher-level or lower-level on the PATROL website.

Higher‑level parking penalties

Higher‑level fines apply to more serious contraventions:

• full charge: £70
• reduced charge: £35 if paid within the discounted period stated on your PCN

Lower‑level parking penalties

Lower‑level fines apply to less serious contraventions:

• full charge: £50
• reduced charge: £25 if paid within 14 days of the PCN being issued

PCNs transferred to Euro Parking Collection plc

Some PCNs issued to foreign‑registered vehicles or where we hold a non‑UK address for the driver will be transferred to Euro Parking Collection plc (EPC) for recovery.

Hire companies may apply an administration fee for processing the PCN, in addition to the PCN itself. Please confirm this with the hiring company.

If your case has been transferred, Euro Parking Collection plc will contact you. All payments and enquiries must be made through EPC using the information in their letter.

If you believe you have already paid the PCN, contact Euro Parking Collection plc and provide proof of payment. Contact Euro Parking Collection plc.

I was loading or unloading

We may consider your challenge if you were loading or unloading heavy goods from a vehicle, and you were away from the vehicle for a period of time because:

• you had parked as close as you could to the delivery location
• the items you were delivering were either delicate, difficult to manoeuvre or extremely heavy.

You'll need to confirm:

• why there was no activity seen around the vehicle
• how long it took you to complete the task
• why the task took as long as it did
• what the items were.

You're not guaranteed to have your Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) cancelled, as each case is judged on its own merits.

I have a Blue Badge

If you're a blue badge holder and you have grounds for an appeal, you'll need to provide a copy of both the front and rear sides of the badge. Make sure that the details on the badge are clearly visible.

You're not guaranteed to have your Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) cancelled, as each case is judged on its own merits.

I was parked on the verge/footpath

Yellow lines run from the centre of the carriageway to the building line and include any adjacent footpath or verge.

You're liable for the Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

I had a medical emergency

If you were involved in a medical emergency, we may consider your challenge.

You'll need to provide sufficient medical evidence to support your claims.

You're not guaranteed to have your Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) cancelled, as each case is judged on its merits.

My vehicle had broken down

If your vehicle has broken down, you're expected to remain with your vehicle until you have arranged for recovery.

You'll need to provide us with a copy of your receipt from either the recovery service provider or garage, within 14 days of receiving your Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

You're not guaranteed to have your PCN cancelled, as each case is judged on its merits.

The double or single yellow lines were faded and broken

Regulation 11 of the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions provides that it is not the law that these lines must always be in a perfect condition. It's a question of fact and degree.

Councils cannot realistically be expected to repaint the lines constantly or on every occasion that the road repairs or utility works affect the road surface or create minor diversions.

The real issue is whether the state or quality of the lines at the time of parking makes it clear to the motorist that there's a restriction in place. Lines become worn and faded for several reasons; however, they remain enforceable if the motorist, upon enquiry, is obliged to say to themselves that, despite the imperfection, it is clear that the yellow lines remain in place.

If you believe that the conditions of the lines were such that you were unaware you were parking on lines, we may consider your challenge.

I have a Blue Badge

Whilst there's a loading ban in force, a Blue Badge does not provide an exemption.

You're liable for the Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

I was loading or unloading

Whilst there's a loading ban in force, a Blue Badge does not provide an exemption.

You're liable for the Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

I had a medical emergency

If you were involved in a medical emergency, we may consider your challenge.

You'll need to provide sufficient medical evidence to support your claims.

You're not guaranteed to have your Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) cancelled, as each case is judged on its merits.

The machine was not working

If the machine is not working, you have the option to pay for your parking using a mobile phone. All our machines and signs have instructions for cashless payments using PayByPhone. If another machine is available, you can also pay for your parking at this machine.

If you did not use PayByPhone to pay for your parking or you didn't use a different machine in the location, you're liable for the Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

The cashless parking app was not working

If the PayByPhone app is not working, you can phone or text the number on the sign to cover your vehicle for parking. In some areas of the city, you can also go to a Paypoint shop to pay for parking.

If you were unable to use any of these options, then alternative parking should have been sought.

If you believe you have sufficient grounds for appeal, you must provide proof to support your claims.

You're not guaranteed to have your Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) cancelled, as each case is judged on its merits.

This contravention is being parked in a residents' or shared-use parking place or zone without:

• a valid virtual permit
• clearly displaying a valid physical permit or voucher (or a pay-and-display ticket issued for that place where required)
• payment of the parking charge

I have a valid resident's parking permit

To claim the concessions of a permit, this must be on clear display at all times; otherwise, you're liable for a PCN.

I had a valid visitor or business scratch card

If you had a valid visitor or business scratch card which was not clearly displayed, we may consider your challenge.

You'll need to provide a copy of the scratch card. Please ensure all details are correct to challenge the PCN.

You're not guaranteed to have your Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) cancelled, as each case is judged on its merits.

I have a Blue Badge

If you're a blue badge holder and have grounds for an appeal, you'll need to provide a copy of both the front and rear sides of the badge. Make sure that the details on the badge are clearly visible.

You're not guaranteed to have your Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) cancelled, as each case is looked at on its own merits.

I had a medical emergency

If you were involved in a medical emergency, we may consider your challenge.

You'll need to provide sufficient medical evidence to support your claims.

You're not guaranteed to have your Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) cancelled, as each case is judged on its merits.

I have a care permit/I'm a health worker

If you have a valid care permit issued by Brighton & Hove City Council, we may consider your challenge.

You'll need to provide a copy of your care permit with the details clearly visible.

You're not guaranteed to have your Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) cancelled, as each case is judged on its merits.

My vehicle had broken down

If your vehicle has broken down, you are expected to remain with your vehicle until you have arranged for recovery.

You'll need to provide us with a copy of your receipt from either the recovery service provider or garage, within 14 days of receiving your Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

You're not guaranteed to have your PCN cancelled, as each case is judged on its merits.

I have a resident's permit

Although you may have a resident’s permit, this does not exempt you from parking in a suspended bay or space. You should ensure you check the signs before parking your vehicle and then leaving it unattended. The bay enforcement times are stated on the notice.

If you feel you have sufficient grounds for appeal, you must provide supporting evidence of your claims.

You're not guaranteed to have your PCN cancelled, as each case is judged on its merits.

There was no sign

When a suspended bay is due to take place, notices are placed on the signs in advance to warn motorists. Photos are taken when they are put up. When a Civil Enforcement Officer (CEO) CEO issues a PCN, they will also take photos of the signs. You should check the evidence supplied by the CEO before you appeal a PCN.

If you have checked the evidence presented and still want to appeal, you can appeal your Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

You're not guaranteed to have your PCN cancelled, as each case is judged on its merits.

My vehicle had broken down

When a suspended bay is due to take place, the Civil Enforcement Officer (CEO) will record all vehicles parked in the bay before the signs are placed.

If your vehicle broke down and you were unable to move it, you'll need to provide us with a copy of your receipt from either the recovery service provider or garage, within 14 days of receiving your Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

You're not guaranteed to have your PCN cancelled, as each case is judged on its merits.

I was loading or unloading

Loading and unloading are considered continuous activities. This must be seen by the Civil Enforcement Officer (CEO); otherwise, a PCN may be issued.

We may consider your challenge if you were loading or unloading heavy goods from a vehicle, and you were away from the vehicle for a period because:

• you had parked as close as you could to the delivery location
• the items you were delivering were either delicate, difficult to manoeuvre, or extremely heavy

You'll need to confirm:

• why there was no activity seen around the vehicle
• how long it took you to complete the task
• why the task took as long as it did
• what the items were

You're not guaranteed to have your Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) cancelled, as each case is judged on its merits.

I have a Blue Badge

A Blue Badge does not provide any exemption in a loading-only bay unless you're loading or unloading.

You're liable for the Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

I was accessing a property or road

If you need to access a property or a road, you'll need to find an alternative route that does not involve using the bus lanes. Find the locations of bus lanes and bus corridors.

Only permitted vehicles are exempt from using the bus lanes. If your vehicle is not on the exemption list, you're liable for the Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

Bus lane restrictions are different where I am from

National standards apply to our signage; drivers from other areas are not at a disadvantage.

You're liable for the Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

I did not see any restriction times

If there are no restriction times on our bus lanes, you should assume they're enforced 24/7.

You're liable for the Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

I had a medical emergency

If you were involved in a medical emergency, we may consider your challenge.

You'll need to provide sufficient medical evidence to support your claims.

You're not guaranteed to have your Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) cancelled, as each case is judged on its merits.

My vehicle is a taxi

If your vehicle is a private hire vehicle, you're liable for the Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). There is no exemption for private hire vehicles to travel in a bus lane.

If you're a hackney carriage, we may consider your challenge. You'll need to provide a copy of your valid hackney carriage licence.

You're not guaranteed to have your PCN cancelled, as each case is judged on its merits.

I did not see the signs

Our bus lanes are clearly lined and signed, and advise road users of which vehicles are allowed access. The signs are of a national standard, and it's the motorist's responsibility to familiarise themselves with the rules of the road.

You're liable for the Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

I have been issued 2 PCNs

We may consider your challenge if both Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) were issued:

• on the same day
• on the same street
• at the same time
• under the same contravention

You're not guaranteed to have your PCN cancelled, as each case is judged on its merits.

My vehicle has been cloned

If you think that your vehicle has been cloned, you must report this to the police as soon as possible.

We may consider your challenge. You'll need to provide us with evidence that you or your vehicle was not present when the Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) was issued. Evidence includes:

• a colour photo showing the make and model of the vehicle
• a colour photo showing the vehicle registration number of the vehicle
• a police crime reference number related to the cloning of your vehicle

You're not guaranteed to have your PCN cancelled, as each case is judged on its merits.

I have a Blue Badge

To park in a disabled bay, you must clearly display your Blue Badge so that all the details can be checked. If you feel you have mitigating circumstances that led to this issue with this PCN, you can appeal your penalty charge notice.

Please provide a clear photograph of your Blue Badge so all the details can be checked.

You're not guaranteed to have your Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) cancelled, as each case is judged on its merits.

There were no parking spaces available

To park in a disabled bay, you must display a valid blue badge. If there are no parking spaces available, you should look for spaces in neighbouring streets.

You're liable for the Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

I have a resident's permit

Although you may have a resident's permit, this does not allow you to park in a disabled bay. You are only permitted to park in:

• permit holder only spaces
• shared-use pay and display/permit holder bays

You should check the signs before parking your vehicle.

You're liable for the Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

My vehicle had broken down

If your vehicle breaks down, you're expected to remain with your vehicle until you have arranged for recovery.

You'll need to provide us with a copy of your receipt from either the recovery service provider or garage, within 14 days of receiving your Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

You're not guaranteed to have your PCN cancelled, as each case is judged on its merits.

I have a Blue Badge

A Blue Badge does not provide you with an exemption to stop in a bus stop clearway. This is explained in the Blue Badge disabled booklet given to you with your Blue Badge, to remind you where your Blue Badge allows you to park.

You're liable for the Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

I was loading or unloading

You're not allowed to load or unload at a bus stop, and you should have sought an alternative place to load or unload your vehicle where the restrictions allow you to do so.

You're liable for the Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

I was picking up or dropping off

You're not allowed to stop or wait for any reason in a bus stop clearway.

You're liable for the Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

I have been issued 2 PCNs

We may consider your challenge if both Penalty Charge Notices (PCN) were issued:

• on the same day
• on the same street
• at the same time
• under the same contravention

You'll need to provide:

• your vehicle registration number
• the reference number printed on the PCN, which was issued the second time

You're not guaranteed to have your PCN cancelled, as each case is judged on its merits.

My vehicle has been cloned

If you think that your vehicle has been cloned, you must report this to the police as soon as possible.

We may consider your challenge. You'll need to provide us with evidence that you or your vehicle was not present when the Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) was issued. Evidence includes:

• a colour photo showing the make and model of the vehicle
• a colour photo showing the vehicle registration number of the vehicle
• a police crime reference number related to the cloning of your vehicle

You're not guaranteed to have your PCN cancelled, as each case is judged on its merits.

My vehicle is a taxi

If your vehicle is a private hire vehicle, you're liable for the Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) as there's no exemption for private hire vehicles to stop at a bus stop.

If you're a hackney carriage and were picking up or dropping off a passenger, we may consider your challenge. You'll need to provide copies of:

• your valid hackney carriage licence
• your job request, including the pick-up/drop-off location

You're not guaranteed to have your PCN cancelled, as each case is judged on its merits.

What red routes are

Red routes are roads marked with double red lines instead of double yellow lines. There are signs indicating the start of a red route.

On red routes, you can only stop, park and load or unload in specially marked bays. These bays have signs that give you information on restrictions and timings.

There were no parking spaces available

Double red lines are installed instead of yellow lines and kerb markings.

Double red lines mean a vehicle cannot stop at any time, not even to load or unload, unless in a specially marked bay. This applies to the whole width of the highway, for example, to the footway and verge as well as the carriageway.

If there were no parking spaces available, you should have found an alternative unrestricted place to park.

You're liable for the Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

I was loading or unloading

Deliveries can only take place in the designated loading bays. We'll observe the loading bays using cameras and can issue PCNs if we see a vehicle parking and not actively loading or unloading.

It will be down to you to provide sufficient proof as to why the vehicle was not seen actively loading or unloading.

You'll need to confirm:

• why there was no activity seen around the vehicle
• how long it took you to complete the task
• why the task took as long as it did
• what the items were

You're not guaranteed to have your Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) cancelled, as each case is judged on its merits.

I have a Blue Badge

Blue Badge holders can be picked up or dropped off, as long as the vehicle is not parked. We'll use discretion in cases where, for example, a wheelchair is being taken out of a vehicle.

You may only park in the designated disabled bays with a valid Blue Badge clearly on display. If you think the PCN has been issued incorrectly, you can appeal. You should provide a clear picture of your blue badge so that the details can be verified.

You're not guaranteed to have your Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) cancelled, as each case is judged on its merits.