Should I Pay or Appeal my Congestion PCN?
Have you got a Congestion PCN? Each month, over 32,000 people visit this site needing guidance on such tickets and fines. We understand it might seem scary and confusing. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you.
In this article, we’ll provide information about:
- What a Congestion PCN is and the reason it is given.
- How to appeal and perhaps win against your PCN.
- How much it costs to pay a Congestion Charge zone fee.
- What happens if you choose not to pay your PCN.
- Where to find more help if you need it.
Our team knows how it feels to get a PCN, and we are ready to help you make sense of things. So, stay calm, and read on to learn how to handle your Congestion PCN.
Do You Have to Pay?
In some circumstances, you might have a legitimate reason not to pay your fine.
It’s a bit sneaky, but the last time I needed legal advice, I paid £5 for a trial to chat with an online solicitor called JustAnswer.
Not only did I save £50 on solicitor feeds, I also won my case and didn’t have to pay my £271 fine.
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In partnership with Just Answer.
How do I know if I’ve entered a Congestion Charge zone?
You’ll see a white “C” in a red circle, which indicates the beginning of a Congestion Charge zone.
The zones are well-signposted with distinct signs and road markings.
That said, you can find details on Congestion Charge zones on the Transport for London (TfL) website.
What exempts you from Congestion Charge?
I’ve listed the vehicles that are exempt from paying the Congestion Charge here:
- Vehicles with 9 plus seats
- Cars that emit 75g/km or less of C02
- Zero-emission vehicles – fully electric and all other zero-emission vehicles
- Motor tricycles that are less than 1 metre in width and 2 meters in length are fully exempt
- Licensed taxis and Private hire taxis (TPH)
Any vehicle that is registered with the DVLA in the following categories is also exempt from paying the Congestion Charge:
- Motorbikes (two-wheeled), sidecars and mopeds
- Emergency services
- NHS vehicles
- Vehicles under a ‘disabled’ taxation class
- Breakdown organisations
Some PHV vehicles could also be entitled to a discount on a Congestion Charge.
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Case study: Motorist asks if they contest a TfL Congestion Charge PCN?
Check out what one motorist asked about contesting a TfL Congestion PCN because they held a Blue Badge and were told the issuer was ‘out of time’.
Source: Moneysavingexpert
How does TfL know where to send a Congestion Charge PCN?
An authority retrieves a registered keeper’s details from the DVLA. Like this, a Congestion Charge PCN is sent to their address.
It’s worth noting that the Penalty Charge Notice must arrive in the post within 14 days of the alleged offence.
Successful Appeal Case Study
Situation
| Initial Fine | £100 |
| Additional Fees | £171 |
| Total Fine | £271 |
The Appeal Process
Scott used JustAnswer, online legal service to enhance his appeal. The trial of this cost him just £5.
| Total Fine | £271 |
| Cost of legal advice | £5 |
JustAnswer helped Scott craft the best appeal possible and he was able to win his case.
Scott’s fine was cancelled and he only paid £5 for the legal help.
In partnership with Just Answer.
Can I appeal a Transport for London Congestion Charge PCN?
Yes. You have the right to challenge a TfL Congestion Charge PCN when you believe it is incorrect.
Appealing a Congestion Charge PCN involves writing a letter of appeal called a representation.
There are two options when you appeal the PCN. You can do so online or by letter.
How do I pay a Congestion PCN?
I’ve listed ways to pay a Congestion PCN in the table below.
| Method of payment | Links |
| Pay Congestion PCN online: | https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/red-routes/penalty-charge-notices/pay-a-pcn |
| Pay by mobile app: | Download the TfL Pay to drive in London app and press ‘Pay Penalty’ |
| Pay by post: | Red routes PO Box 335 Darlington DL1 9PU |
You must provide the following details when you pay a Congestion Charge Penalty Charge Notice:
- The Penalty Charge Notice reference number
- Your vehicle registration number (VRN)
- Method of payment (credit or debit card)
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What happens when I ignore a Congestion PCN?
You have 28 days to pay a Congestion Charge PCN; if you don’t, the issuer will take the matter further.
You will receive a Charge Certificate, which gives you 14 days to settle the fine.
If, however, you don’t pay up, your details are sent to the Traffic Enforcement Centre, where it’s registered as an ‘unpaid debt’.
Extra fees and costs are added to the amount you must pay.
Then, a Recovery Order is issued, and you have 21 days to pay the amount owed.
After this, enforcement officers (bailiffs) will contact you to recover the debt owed.
You will receive an Enforcement Notice detailing the amount owed and the enforcement officer’s name and address.
Failure to respond to enforcement officers can lead to them visiting your home and seizing possessions to recover the debt.
How much is a PCN for Congestion Charge?
Congestion Charge PCN costs can set you back over one hundred pounds.
In short, you will be fined £160 for not paying the Congestion Charge fee, and you have 28 days to settle the penalty you receive.
If you miss the deadline, the fine increases by 50%. So instead of paying £160, you must pay £240.
That said, when you settle a Congestion Charge PCN within 14 or 21 days, the issuer reduces the fine by 50%.
So, a fine of £160 is reduced to £80.
Hire a Parking Solicitor for less than a coffee.
If you’re thinking about appealing your parking ticket then getting some professional advice is a good idea.
Getting the support of a Solicitor can make your appeal much more likely to win.
For a £5 trial, Solicitors from JustAnswer can look at your case and help you create an airtight appeal.
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