What happens if I ignore my PCN?

Parking, Bus Lane and Road User Charge PCNs

At most stages of the process, you have 28 days to pay or challenge your Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). If you ignore both the PCN (and subsequent Notice to Owner [NtO], in the case of Parking PCNs only) for 28 days, the authority can increase the penalty charge owed by 50%, issuing a Charge Certificate.

You then have 14 days to pay the increased charge. This 50% charge cannot be issued if the local authority is considering your challenge against the PCN, or the Traffic Penalty Tribunal (TPT) is hearing your appeal.

If you ignore the increased penalty charge, this can be registered as a County Court debt and a further £8 will be added to the cost.

Further failure to pay the charge within 21 days can lead to the County Court issuing a warrant to Civil Enforcement Agents (bailiffs). This will mean further added charges and, potentially, goods being taken from your home to settle the debt.

WHAT A £50 PCN CAN COST YOU:

£25: If paid before the end of the 14-day period (beginning with the date of service), or 21-day period for PCNs served through the post (the local authority may extend this period if they are considering your challenge).

£50: If paid within the full 28-day time period.

£75: If not paid within the 28-day time period.

£83: If not paid within a further 14 days.

£83: Plus bailiffs costs, if final £83 is not settled.

WHAT A £70 PCN CAN COST YOU:

£35: If paid before the end of the 14-day period (beginning with the date of service), or 21-day period for PCNs served through the post (the local authority may extend this period if they are considering your challenge).

£70: If paid within the full 28-day time period.

£105: If not paid within the 28-day time period.

£113: If not paid within a further 14 days.

£113: Plus bailiffs costs, if final £113 is not settled.

Littering from Vehicle PNs

You have 28 days to pay the Penalty Notice (PN). If you ignore the PN, after 28 days the authority will increase the penalty charge by 50%.

If you ignore the increased charge, this can be registered as a County Court debt.

Further failure to pay the charge within 21 days can lead to the County Court issuing a warrant to civil enforcement agents (bailiffs). This will mean added charges and civil enforcement agents (bailiffs) taking goods from your home to settle the debt.