Council PCN vs private parking charge

Both kinds of ticket are often called 'PCNs', but they work very differently. Knowing which you have is the first step to dealing with it properly.

Council Penalty Charge Notices

• Issued by local authorities on public roads and in council car parks.
• Often discounted by 50% if paid within 14 days.
• Appeals go to the council, then London Tribunals or the Traffic Penalty Tribunal.

Private Parking Charge Notices

• Issued by private companies on private land.
• A contractual charge, not a fine.
• Appeals go to the operator, then POPLA or the IAS.

How to tell them apart

Check the sender. Councils include their name and legal references to traffic management legislation. Private operators will name their company and usually a trade association.