Should I Pay or Appeal Westminster PCN?

Have you received a parking ticket from Westminster? You’re not alone. Each month, around 32,000 people visit this site looking for guidance on dealing with tickets and fines.

We understand it can be a tough spot to be in. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. This article will explain:

•  What a Westminster Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) is, and why you might receive one
•  Steps on how to avoid or appeal a Westminster PCN
•  What happens if you don’t pay a Westminster PCN
•  Potential ways to beat your PCN and how to challenge it
•  The impact of not paying fines on your financial health 

We know how stressful it can be to deal with a PCN. That’s why we’re here to help you navigate this situation.

Should you pay a Westminster PCN straight away?

There are a few advantages to paying a Westminster PCN straight away. First, you get to pay the discounted fine. Second, you don’t have all the hassle of challenging the penalty.

That said, when you have grounds to contest the fine, there’s nothing to stop you.

But before paying the penalty, you should check that all the details are correct and that you deserve the fine.

You can pay a Westminster PCN online or by sending a cheque through the post. You can also pay a penalty charge to the council over the phone by calling 020 7823 4567. You can even pay the PCN at a post office. 

What is a discounted Westminster PCN?

When you pay a Westminster PCN within 14 days of it being served, you’ll only have to pay half the amount. So if the fine is £130, it’s reduced to £65, which is always worth considering.

How to avoid paying a Westminster PCN

If you want to avoid paying a Westminster PCN then you’ll need an airtight appeal.

The best way to perfect your appeal is getting a little advice from a Solicitor. I’d 100% recommend spending a fiver to get a trial of JustAnswer.

You can explain your situation in their chat and they’ll connect you with a Solicitor who can advise you and give you the best chance to win your appeal.

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What happens when you don’t pay a Westminster PCN?

Things escalate when you don’t pay a Westminster PCN. You’ll have to pay 50% more when you don’t pay within 28 days of the fine being served! Plus, you won’t be able to appeal the penalty.

First, Westminster Council sends you a Charge Notice, which you must pay within 14 days. Then, a court order is issued when you still don’t pay the penalty charge, which is now 50% more than the original fine. 

At this stage, you’ll have no choice but to pay to avoid enforcement agents showing up at your door! But unfortunately, it means more fees and more expenses when bailiffs get involved.

Can you challenge a Westminster PCN?

Yes. You have the right to contest a Westminster PCN when you feel it’s unjust or incorrect. Make sure you file your appeal within the deadline, though. You have 28 days to challenge the penalty charge, but the earlier you contest it, the better.

When you challenge the penalty within 14 days, and the council rejects it, you may get to pay the discounted amount. So, for example, instead of an £80 fine, you’d only have to pay £40!

If the PCN is left on your windscreen, you must make an informal appeal first. But if the penalty arrives in the post, you must file a formal appeal (representation).

Are there any good excuses to challenge a Westminster PCN?

Yes. Some good excuses to get out of paying a Westminster PCN include:

• You were parked legally
• Your vehicle broke down, and you were waiting for the AA or other recovery truck
• A Pay & Display or parking meter was out of order
• An emergency prevented you from returning to your car
• The penalty charge was served out of time
• You weren’t given a grace period before the penalty was issued

What is a grace period?

Parking tickets should not be issued before a 10-minute grace period expires. In short, you should be allowed a grace period when you return to your car. But this only applies if you are legally parked!

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What happens if a Westminster PCN appeal is rejected?

There’s a chance Westminster Council could reject your appeal. The good news is you can take the matter further when this happens.

You have the right to escalate your appeal.

You can appeal to the independent adjudicator, the London Tribunals. It’s a free service, and their decision is legally binding. In short, if the tribunal agrees with you, Westminster Council must cancel the fine.

But if the tribunal sides with the council, you’ll have to pay the fine!

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Westminster PCN appeal? Is it worth it?

When you have solid grounds to appeal a Westminster PCN, go for it. You’ve got nothing to lose. Plus, when you challenge the fine within 14 days, and it’s rejected, you could pay the lesser discounted amount anyway.

That said, when a penalty charge is deserved, you may be better off paying it to save time, money and hassle! In short, you could be better off paying a City of Westminster PCN rather than contesting it.

All in all, it’s up to you whether you’ve got the time and are annoyed enough to appeal the penalty. Many motorists do, and some are successful. But there’s no guarantee that Westminster Council would accept your challenge and cancel the penalty.

Thanks for reading my post on whether it’s worth making a Westminster PCN appeal. I hope the information helps you decide whether it could be worth paying the penalty or if you have the energy and inclination to contest it!