Free Congestion Charge Appeal Letter Template to Win

Have you been given a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) for not paying the London Congestion Charge? It can be a bit scary and confusing, but don’t worry; you’re not the only one. Each month, more than 32,000 people come to this site for advice on tickets and fines.

This guide will help you understand:

• What the London Congestion Zone is and its rules.
• The penalties if you break these rules.
• How to challenge a PCN and avoid extra costs.
• How to use a free appeal letter template to win your appeal.

We know that getting a PCN can make you worried. You might think about the fine, if it’s fair, and how to make an appeal. Our team has offered guidance to many people in your shoes, so we know how it feels, and we’re here to help you. Let’s get started and learn how to make a good choice about your ticket.

What Happens if You Break Congestion Zone Rules?

The congestion charge is a fee charged on most vehicles operating within the Congestion Charge Zone (CCZ) in central London.

If you drive in the congestion charge zone during its hours of operation and do not pay the charge by midnight on the following charging day, you will receive a penalty charge notice.

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Do You Have to Pay the Penalty Charge Notice?

A penalty charge notice must be paid if it is received. When driving in central London and not paying the congestion charge, low emission zone (LEZ), or ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) charges, or for other traffic offences such as parking violations, a PCN can be issued. A PCN does not expire, no matter how long you get away with not paying it.

You can challenge a PCN if you believe it was issued in error or if there are extenuating circumstances. The PCN will include instructions on how to pay the penalty or challenge it. The penalty amount may increase if you do not pay or successfully challenge the PCN. Further action may be taken, including referral to a debt collection agency or court case, which could result in additional costs and negatively affect your credit rating if you fail to pay or successfully challenge the PCN.

How to Make an Appeal Against a Congestion Zone PCN

If you believe you have received a PCN in error or there are extenuating circumstances, you can make an appeal against the PCN. Below, I list the general steps to do this.

• Review the PCN – Make sure you read the PCN carefully. It will include information on why it was issued and how to pay or challenge it, as well as the PCN number.
• Gather proof – Gather all relevant evidence that supports your case. This could include photographs, witness statements, or any other documents that could help prove your case.
• Make a representation – You have 28 days from the date of the PCN to make a representation. This is your opportunity to explain why you think the PCN was wrongly issued or why you should not have to pay. You can make a representation online via the Transport for London (TfL) website or by post. The PCN will include detailed instructions on how to do this.
• Wait for a response – TfL will review your representation and decide whether to accept or reject it. They will notify you of their decision by post. If they accept your representation, you will not have to pay the PCN. If they reject it, you will have to pay the full penalty charge or appeal to an independent adjudicator.
• Appeal to an independent adjudicator – If your representation is rejected and you still believe the PCN was wrongly issued, you can appeal to an independent adjudicator. The notice of rejection sent by TfL will include information on how to appeal.

Use a Free Congestion Charge PCN Appeal Letter Template

If you want to make an appeal against your PCN, you can begin this process yourself. And to do this, you can search online for a free congestion charge appeal letter. 

You can take the template and you can edit it to include your own information. Don’t forget to explain why you believe the PCN is invalid or unjust.

You must also be sure to include any evidence you have to support your appeal. This can include photographs or video, and also witness statements.

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What Happens if You Don’t Pay a PCN?

These are legally enforceable, official fines. You have to pay the PCN or appeal against it. And if you don’t pay up in time, you face a specific timeline of further trouble, as I explain, below.

• Increased penalty – The penalty amount may increase. For example, the penalty for not paying the London Congestion Charge is £160, but it’s reduced to £80 if you pay within 14 days. If you don’t pay or make a representation within 28 days, the penalty charge may increase to £240.
• Debt recovery action – If you still do not pay the increased penalty, the case may be passed to a debt recovery agency. This will result in additional charges, and the debt recovery agency may take action to recover the debt, such as clamping or removing your vehicle.
• Court action – If the debt recovery agency is unable to recover the debt, the case may be taken to court. This can result in further legal costs, and a court judgment may be made against you, which could affect your credit rating.

How Much Is a Congestion Zone PCN?

I took the data for this post from 2023, so this information might not be correct after I published this page. However, a penalty charge notice for an unpaid congestion charge in London is £160, but it is reduced to £80 if you pay within 14 days. However, these charges can be subject to change, and there may be additional costs if you do not pay on time.

It is always advisable to check the official Transport for London (TfL) website or contact them for the most up-to-date information on charges and penalties associated with the congestion charge zone.