Essential Information for the Public

Outlined below are the key points that a motorist needs to know about parking and transport regulations, including all parking contraventions, the rules regarding 'signs and lines', waiting times, exemptions, councils car parks and loading and unloading.

It will also offer advice and tips on how not to get a ticket. Here are some examples of advice offered:

How to avoid a parking ticket:

A few simple precautions can reduce the risk of getting a ticket:

When parking, always check the signs and markings If you are in any doubt, err on the side of caution Always carry enough small change to pay for parking Make sure your pay-and-display ticket or permit can be seen If you've got a Blue Badge, display it clearly the right way up If you don't want to pay other people's penalties, don't lend your vehicle If you dispose of your vehicle, always be sure to complete DVLA re-registration documents yourself Consider whether you need to use your car at all.

When you do get a ticket, these few tips can help you along:

• Either pay it - 'How and where can I pay a Penalty Charge Notice'
  
• or challenge it - do not ignore it! - 'How do I challenge a Penalty Charge Notice'
  
• Write to or email the council as soon as possible if you need more information 
  
• Always deal with notices and correspondence from the council
  
• Always quote your PCN Number
  
• If you decide to pay it, pay promptly
  
• Check on the PATROL website - about Parking and Traffic Regulations outside London 

And, if you decide to appeal, here are some tips:

• Put your point in writing.
  
• State your case clearly and simply.
  
• If you have evidence, send copies and keep the originals safe.
  
• Evidence might include:
  
  • A pay-and-display ticket
    
  • Photographs
    
  • A statement by a witness
    
  • A delivery note to show you were loading.
    
• Keep a copy of your letter.  

The Council must consider your challenge and accept or reject it in writing. 

• If the challenge is accepted, the council will cancel the penalty.  
  
• If the challenge is rejected, you must decide whether to:
  
  
  • pay the penalty or - 'How and where can I pay a PCN'
    
  • appeal to the independent adjudicator - Traffic Penalty Tribunal (England and Wales)

PLEASE NOTE: You may only appeal to the independent Adjudicator if you have first made written representations to the Council that issued the PCN and these have been rejected.

And, perhaps most importantly... Do NOT ignore a PCN! Respond promptly to the PCN. Taking the date on which the PCN is served as day 1, the Council must receive payment or a written challenge by day 28. The Council must accept payment of a 50% reduced penalty if it receives payment by day 14 (or day 21 for a contravention detected by camera). (A council has discretion to accept payment of the penalty at the discount rate beyond day 14 or day 21.)

If you are unable to respond in time (eg you were on holiday or the PCN was delayed in the post), you should inform the Council immediately.

If you do nothing, the Council may enforce payment.