Checklist for Disputing an Unfair Fine

If you’ve ever been hit with a fine you think is unfair, this checklist should help guide you through the appeals process. The whole process can be quite confusing, so this checklist will bring you up to speed on everything you might need to include in a PCN appeal.

Before you appeal, here are some things you need to think about:

1. Is the fine unfair or did you make the mistake?

2. Is it worth appealing?

3. Have you enough evidence to back up the appeal?

You need to send the appeal either as a letter to the address found on your ticket or via the parking enforcer’s website. Do this within 14 days because if you lose, you can still pay the reduced fine.

How do I dispute a parking ticket?

Here’s everything you know for disputing an unfair parking ticket.

What do I need to include in my letter?

1.Your address

2.Date of offence

3.Your vehicle registration number

4.The PCN number

5.The reason for appeal

6.Why you believe the ticket has been issued unfairly

7.Evidence supporting your appeal

Reasons for disputing an unfair parking ticket

This is where you explain why you’re challenging the fine, some example reasons can be found below:

Incorrect or unclear signs and road markings

This is one of the more common reasons due to signs being wrong, faded or not visible. This applies if the road lines indicating a bus lane or box junction are faded or if you believe they were wrong.

The contravention did not occur

This only applies if the authority has got it wrong, or the offence never actually happened, issuing you a PCN under contravention 40, parking in a disabled space without displaying the appropriate badge when as matter of fact it was displayed.

I’ve already paid my fine

Have you already paid but the PCN are still chasing you for payment? This can be appealed.

Did the council make a mistake?

This is when the councils haven’t specified all the required information about your offence or provided you with photographic evidence. This can include CCTV evidence for moving traffic offences. It needs to show your vehicle being in the prohibited area before, during and after the offence, as well as your vehicle being in the same frame as the road sign or markings in question.

You didn’t own the vehicle at the time, or ever owned the vehicle at all

Did you sell the car before the ticket was issued or you never owned the vehicle at all?

You weren’t driving the car at the time

Was your vehicle stolen or was someone else driving your car without your consent?

Gave way to an emergency vehicle

While you may have committed a moving offence, if it was due to letting emergency services through you can appeal the ticket.

Mitigating circumstances

You may have broken the rules, but do you have a good reason? Here are some examples of mitigating circumstances. These reasons don’t automatically waive the penalty:

·Being involved in a crash

·Getting a ticket while broken down

·You were to poorly to move the car

·You bought a ticket, but it fell and wasn’t visible to the warden

What evidence do you have for disputing a parking ticket?

When challenging your parking ticket, you need to enclose all evidence that can back it up. You should also state what each piece of evidence is to help avoid confusion. Evidence can include, photographs showing unclear or not visible sings, the position of your car and nearby cars. Any correspondence such as documents, proof of your mitigating circumstances or witness statements.

This checklist is only here to help you through the process of appealing the unfair fine, under no circumstances are we making guarantees that the appeal will be upheld. If you need additional help, check with Citizens Advice who have more information on fighting unfair fines.