When to challenge
You can challenge a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) or bus lane PCN if you think it should not have been issued, or there are mitigating circumstances why it should be cancelled. You can make a challenge by using our online informal challenge form or in writing, as detailed below.
Informal challenge
You can make an informal challenge up to 28 days of the PCN issue date. Please note that any challenges received after the 14 day period may not be eligible for the 50% discount offered for prompt payment.
- Make an informal challenge online
- Make an informal challenge by writing to Parking Services, PO Box 981, Municipal Buildings, Dale Street, L69 1JB.
What happens next?
We will respond in writing once a decision has been made.
If your challenge is accepted you won’t have to pay anything. If we reject the challenge, and it was received within the 14 days window allowed for the 50% discount, we will reinstate the discount period and you will be advised of the deadline for prompt payment.
If you do not pay and choose not to make a formal representation (challenge) after receiving a Notice to Owner, we will issue a Charge Certificate which will increase your ‘fine’ by 50%. You must then pay the full amount of this increased charge within 14 days.
Formal representation (parking contraventions)
You can make a formal representation (challenge), once you have received a Notice To Owner, if:
- The contravention described on the PCN did not happen.
- The PCN asked you to pay more than you are legally liable to.
- The traffic order or parking restriction in question was invalid or illegal.
- You were not the owner/keeper of the vehicle at the time of the contravention or when the PCN was issued.
- The vehicle had been taken without your consent.
- The vehicle had been stolen when the PCN was issued.
- You represent a hire firm and have supplied details of the hirer who signed a formal agreement accepting liability for PCNs.
- Liverpool City Council failed to comply with regulations.
- The PCN has been paid and the Notice to Owner should not have been served.
Your representation should be made in writing to Parking Services, PO BOX 981, Municipal Buildings, Dale Street, L69 1JB.
An independent council officer will deal with your representation and will write to you within 56 days of receipt.
If we reject your formal representation and you still wish to dispute the PCN, you can appeal to the independent Traffic Penalty Tribunal (TPT). Details of how to do so are provided in any rejection letter. Visit the TPT website for more details.