Challenging or understanding your PCN
Viewing contravention details and photographic evidence
You can view the contravention details and photographic evidence online. We are aware of some issues with viewing CCTV clips where juddering may occur. We recommend downloading/viewing the clip by clicking on the three dots at the bottom-right of the video clip.
How and when to challenge your PCN
Go to the portal to see the evidence that relates to the issue of your PCN. You can also challenge the PCN here if you disagree with it.
Please have your car registration and PCN reference to hand (XL followed by 8 characters).
Do not use the portal to pay or challenge a Fixed Penalty Notice.
What do I do if I am no longer the owner of the vehicle, but I have received a PCN?
You will need to challenge your PCN and explain the situation.
I have received a PCN but someone was using my vehicle without my consent on the date of the contravention
You will need to challenge your PCN and provide evidence.
I’ve received a notice asking me to pay the full amount, but I didn't receive the original Notice to Owner PCN. Can I pay at the discounted rate?
You will need to challenge your PCN and explain the situation.
I’ve received a further letter about a PCN that I’ve already paid for
You will need to challenge your PCN and provide evidence of the payment.
I can’t pay the full amount for my PCN, but can I pay in instalments?
You can visit our Worried about debt page for guidance and assistance that you may be entitled to.
I believe my PCN has been referred incorrectly or unfairly to an Enforcement Agent (formerly known as a certificated bailiff), or I would like to discuss an instalment plan to pay the charge due
Once a penalty charge debt has been passed to an Enforcement Agent, you must contact them directly with any enquiry. Please refer to any paperwork you have received from the Enforcement Agent for guidance on how to do so.
My vehicle broke down on the date of the contravention. What can I do?
You will need to challenge your PCN and provide satisfactory evidence to show that the fault was mechanical or electrical. Valid evidence includes:
- an invoice from a garage to confirm repairs
- a vehicle recovery document
- confirmation of attendance by a breakdown service
Vehicle breakdown is a claim of mitigation and is subject to verification by Parking Services. It is your responsibility to provide satisfactory evidence to confirm that your vehicle broke down.
If we suspect that an evidence submission is fraudulent, the matter may be referred internally for further investigation outside of the continued processing of the Penalty Charge Notice.
I had to park because of an emergency. What should I do?
You will need to challenge your PCN and explain the emergency situation.
I was not driving my vehicle at the location and date and time of the contravention. I believe my vehicle registration has been cloned. What should I do?
The registered keeper or owner of a vehicle is liable for all civil traffic and parking penalty charges incurred, even if they were not driving. If a friend or family member used your vehicle and incurred a penalty charge, you are still liable.
There are exceptions, such as:
- vehicle theft before the contravention occurred
- a cloned vehicle
In these circumstances, you must first report the incident to the police by calling 101 or reporting a crime incident.
You will then need to challenge your PCN. You will need to explain the situation in full and provide written confirmation of your crime reference number from the Police.
If you are claiming your vehicle has been cloned, you must upload images clearly showing the colour of your vehicle and the front and rear number plates for verification. We cannot accept CAD or other reference numbers.
How communications received are handled throughout the statutory recovery process
The following summary details how we handle communications received throughout the statutory recovery process.
| Type of communication received by the Authority | How the communication is processed |
|---|---|
| Informal challenge against the issue of the PCN (before the issue of a Notice to Owner/Enforcement Notice | An officer will review the case file and serve a Notice of Acceptance or a Notice of Rejection by post. |
| Second or subsequent communication received at the informal stage (before the issue of a Notice to Owner/Enforcement Notice) | The communication will be added to the PCN case file, but it will not be reconsidered by an officer and a further response will not be sent. The PCN case file will be progressed to the next stage of the statutory recovery process and further charges may be incurred as a result. |
| Formal Representation (can only be submitted on receipt of either a Notice to Owner or an Enforcement Notice) | An officer will review the case file, even if an earlier review resulted in the issue of a Notice of Rejection. A Notice of Acceptance or a Notice of Rejection will be sent by post. |
| Second or subsequent formal representation received | The communication will be added to the PCN case file, but it will not cannot be reconsidered by an officer and a further response will not be sent. The PCN case file will be progressed to the next stage of the statutory recovery process and further charges may be incurred as a result. |
| Charge Certificate | The communication will be added to the PCN case file, but it will not be reconsidered by an officer. A response will be generated automatically to confirm that payment is due, and this will outline the statutory options at the Charge Certificate stage of the recovery process. The PCN case file will be progressed to the next stage of the statutory recovery process and further charges may be incurred as a result. |
| Order for Recovery/Witness Statement or Statutory Declaration | At this stage, the options are either to pay the charge due or submit a Witness Statement or Statutory Declaration to the Traffic Enforcement Centre at Northampton County Court. Please note: You may only submit a Witness Statement of Statutory Declaration if one of the stated grounds is relevant. This is a court approved document and therefore there may be a penalty for misuse. Please read the directions carefully. |
| Bailiff/Enforcement agent | Once a penalty charge debt is passed to a bailiff/enforcement agent through a Warrant of Control authorised by the Traffic Enforcement Centre at Northampton County Court, all communication should be with the bailiff/enforcement agent direct. Any communication received at this stage of the recovery process will be added to the PCN case file and may be forwarded to the bailiff/enforcement agent for their consideration. A response will not be sent by the Authority. |
Information and guidance on council-issued parking tickets and your rights to challenge and appeal one are available on the London Councils website
The London Borough of Bexley will use the information, including personal information collected through the issuing and processing of this PCN for the enforcement of traffic contraventions and other compatible purposes. The information may also be disclosed to London Councils, other enforcement agencies and third parties where it is necessary and lawful to do so. All information will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 (as amended) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000.