Should I Pay or Appeal Edinburgh Parking Tickets? Easy Guide

Got a parking ticket from Edinburgh Council and aren’t sure what to do next? Each month, over 32,000 visitors like you seek guidance on parking tickets and fines here. It’s okay to feel worried about paying a fine that might not be right or about going through the appeal process. But don’t worry, we’re here to help.

In this guide, we’ll help you understand:

• Why Edinburgh Council gives out parking tickets.
• How much a parking ticket might cost you.
• The reasons and ways to appeal your parking ticket.
• What happens when you don’t pay your parking ticket.
• Free parking options in Edinburgh.

We have lots of experience with cases just like yours. We know how it feels to get a parking ticket and face the decision of whether to pay or appeal. So, sit back, take a deep breath, and let’s find out how to handle your parking ticket from Edinburgh Council

Why are Edinburgh parking tickets issued?

Various authorities can issue parking tickets in Edinburgh. You may get one from the council, police, or Transport Scotland. Authorities issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) when you commit an offence.

A PCN may be issued for a minor traffic offence, or it might be for a minor driving violation. For example, you’d get one for:

• Driving in a bus lane when it’s not allowed
• Parking illegally on double yellow or zig-zag lines
• Turning to the left or right when it’s not permitted
• Overstaying the permitted time in a short-term car park

You could find the PCN stuck on your car’s windscreen, or the fine could arrive through your letterbox. It depends on whether the offence was caught on CCTV or if a parking enforcement officer gave you a fine.

Should you pay for Edinburgh parking tickets immediately?

There are a couple of benefits to paying an Edinburgh PCN immediately. First, you get to pay a reduced amount which is worth considering. Second, it could save you time, money and stress!

But you should only pay an Edinburgh penalty charge notice when you know it’s right and you deserve it. So, always check the details on the PCN are yours and that the fine was issued correctly!

Should you challenge Edinburgh parking tickets?

You can appeal against an Edinburgh PCN when you disagree with the fine. The PCN you got should tell you how and when you should appeal the fine. This is typically within 28 days of the fine being issued.

That said, you could appeal the PCN because:

• You didn’t own the vehicle when the PCN was issued. You’ll need to provide proof you weren’t the registered keeper
• You didn’t park illegally because the meter still had time on it
• You broke down and had to wait for road assistance
• You were parked legally while loading or unloading your vehicle
• Another person parked your car without your permission
• The signposts where you parked were unclear

You must have evidence to support an appeal, and the more you can provide, the faster a decision could be made.

It’s worth noting that if you appeal the PCN within 14 days, you could get to pay 50% less if the council rejects your challenge. Definitely worth considering because it could save you a lot of money.

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How do I challenge a parking ticket in Edinburgh?

You can file your dispute about the penalty charge at The City of Edinburgh Council Customer Hub, 249 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1YJ. Or you can challenge the fine online.

What happens after you file an appeal against an Edinburgh PCN?

Edinburgh Council will consider your appeal and let you know whether they accept or reject it. The fine is cancelled if you’re lucky, and the council accepts your appeal against the PCN. However, the council sends you a ‘notice of rejection’ if your appeal is rejected.

The notice of rejection should include details on how to appeal the matter further to the General Regulatory Chamber. But you must file your appeal within 28 days of getting the notice of rejection.

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How much do Edinburgh parking tickets set you back?

It depends on the seriousness of the parking or driving violation. For instance, a minor offence could set you back £60. In contrast, a more serious offence could earn you a fine worth £120.

But, the amount is less when you pay a Penalty Charge within two weeks. For example, say you get a £120 fine. Then, when you pay within 14 days, you’ll only have to pay £60!

Can you park for free in Edinburgh?

Yes, you can park for free in central Edinburgh at set times of the day and night. For example, it’s free to park between 6.30 pm, and 6.30 am during the week and on Saturdays.

But you should always check road signs before leaving a car overnight.

What happens when you don’t pay Edinburgh parking tickets?

Things escalate when you don’t pay or appeal an Edinburgh penalty charge. First, you’ll receive a Notice to the Owner from the council reminding you there’s an outstanding charge. 

Plus, the amount increases by 50%, so what was a £60 fine is now £90!

When you don’t pay within the set time after getting the Notice to Owner, the fine could be registered as a ‘debt’. Moreover, the council doesn’t have to hold a court hearing for this to happen.

After this, sheriff officers are instructed to recover the outstanding debt!