Formal representation

This option is available if you have received an Enforcement Notice relating to a PCN that was issued for a bus lane contravention or Notice to Owner for all other PCNs.

If you choose not to pay or challenge your Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) within the first 28 days after it has been issued then the Council will send a 'Notice to Owner' (NtO)/Enforcement Notice to the registered keeper of the vehicle. This notice will advise there is a further 28 days to either pay the full penalty charge (at the full rate) or:

If you believe the PCN should be cancelled the easiest way is to submit a formal representation online. Your PCN number will be required (including the prefix RT) as well as your vehicle registration number.

Alternatively you can send your formal challenge by post to Parking Services, PO Box 221, Twickenham TW1 3TL. Download the printable appeal form here(pdf, 25KB).

Grounds for making a representation

  • You have never owned the vehicle
  • You were no longer the owner on the date the contravention occurred. You will have to provide the name and address of the person to whom the vehicle was sold together with proof of the date of the sale.
  • You were not the owner until after that date. You will have to provide the name and address of the person from whom you purchased the vehicle together with proof of the purchase date.
  • The contravention (wrongdoing) did not occur.
  • The contravention occurred whilst the vehicle was under the control of someone without the owner's consent. You will have to supply the crime reference number and the name of the Police Station to which the theft of the vehicle was reported.
  • The Traffic Order was invalid i.e. the Council did not comply with the statutory requirements when making the Order.
  • The vehicle is owned by a vehicle-hire firm and the vehicle was on hire to someone under a formal hiring agreement. You will have to supply a copy of the hire agreement clearly showing the name and address of the person hiring the vehicle. This agreement must contain a statement of liability signed by the hirer and acknowledging the hirer's liability for payment of penalty charges.
  • The penalty charge exceeded the amount applicable to the contravention i.e. the amount is more than you are legally liable to pay.
  • There has been a procedural impropriety on the part of the Council.
  • The penalty charge notice has already been paid in full or has been paid at the reduced amount within the specified period.
  • A civil enforcement officer was not prevented from serving the original penalty charge notice by affixing it to the vehicle or handing it to the owner or person in charge of the vehicle;
  • Any other compelling reasons.

For further information please refer to the Enforcement and Cancellation Protocol(pdf, 243KB).

What happens next?

On receipt of the representation, the council will carefully consider all the relevant facts. Information relating to the contravention held on the computer records and in the Civil Enforcement Officer's notes may also be taken into account.

You will receive a response to your formal representation advising you of the outcome as soon as possible but within 56 days.

If your representation is accepted, you will be notified that the Penalty Charge Notice has been cancelled and the case closed which will be confirmed in writing.

If your representation is rejected, you will be sent a formal 'Notice of Rejection' together with an appeal form. You should now either pay the penalty charge notice at the full rate or make an appeal to an independent adjudicator at Parking and Traffic Appeals Service (PATAS).

What to say when making a formal representation

Before submitting your appeal you may find it useful to read our PCN additional guidance.

If you are unable to use our online formal representation form and you choose to put your case in writing please remember to:

  • Provide your name and address
  • Clearly indicate the Penalty Charge Notice number (RTnnnnnnnn) on documentation supplied
  • Submit your appeal as soon as possible
  • Tell us clearly and concisely about the facts of your case and your reasons for appealing
  • Provide us with any evidence or documents you have to support your claim.

More information

If you are unhappy about the conduct of a Civil Enforcement Officer (CEO) please refer to our complaint page.