Make a representation

If you want to challenge the Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) then you have 28 days from the date of service of the PCN to get your representation to us.

Online
In writing
The registered keeper
Our response
Grounds for making a representation

Under the Interpretation Act 1978 s.7, unless the contrary is proved, service is deemed to have been effected at the time when the PCN would be delivered in the ordinary course of post.

Representations must be made in writing or online.

If you make a representation outside of the 28-day PCN service period it will be considered as 'late' and we do not have to consider late representations. You cannot make a late representation online.

Do not delay in sending us your representation
However if you are prevented from making your representation in time we may use our discretion and consider it
If you make a late representation please ensure that you provide evidence to outline why your representation is late. Forgetting to make a representation is not a valid reason but if you were prevented from making the representation due to illness or a holiday then enclose proof of these circumstances and it may be considered
When we receive your representation the PCN will be frozen at the relevant amount that is outstanding at that time. It will remain frozen until we have completed our investigation and written back to you with our reply

You can now make a representation online. You will need to provide us with your PCN number and reasons why you think you should not have been issued with a PCN. You will also be able to add supporting evidence.

Online

You still have 28 days from the date of service of the PCN, to either pay the penalty or challenge the PCN by making a representation. The PCN states the full penalty charge due - however, if you pay within 14 days of the date of service, you can pay the 50% discount sum stated on the PCN.

Make a representation

In writing

The easiest way to make a representation in writing is to complete the representation section provided as part of the PCN:

If applicable please indicate on which ground you wish to make the representation
Add any details in the space provided (if you need more space attach a separate sheet remembering to write the PCN number on each extra sheet)
Enclose any supporting evidence
Sign and date the representation
Return it to Congestion Charging, PO Box 340, Darlington, DL1 9PZ
Remember you must ensure your representation is received before the end of the 28-day period beginning with the date of service of the PCN

The registered keeper

The PCN is normally sent to the registered keeper of the vehicle as per the records of either the DVLA or DVA.

PCNs may also be issued to the nominated hirer/lessee of the vehicle if a valid hire agreement is provided by the registered keeper.

It is the person or organisation named on the PCN who must make the representation, even if they were not the driver.

The registered keeper can make a representation on behalf of a third party
However, we will NOT consider a representation from a third party unless the registered keeper provides us with written authorisation. So if you have been passed the PCN by the registered keeper and wish to challenge the PCN, get them to write in on your behalf or provide you with written authorisation to send in with your representation
We will always advise the registered keeper of the outcome of any investigation
If the registered keeper is a company and you are making a representation on behalf of the company please indicate your position and authorisation within the company when making your representation

Our response

When we have considered your representation we will write back to you with our response. You will be sent one of three things:

A request for additional evidence

This means that we require further evidence from you to help us consider the points raised in your representation
The PCN will remain frozen for a number of days to provide you with adequate time to return the requested information
If the required evidence is not received you will be issued with a notice of rejection
If the required evidence is received you will be issued with a notice of acceptance or a notice of rejection depending on whether we consider the evidence to be sufficient

A notice of acceptance

This means that you are no longer liable for the PCN
Please read the notice of acceptance carefully and follow the advice given as it will explain why you received the PCN and provide advice on how to avoid PCNs in future

A notice of rejection

This means that we believe you are still liable for the PCN
We have assessed your representation in terms of the grounds for representation, any mitigating circumstances and considered the use of our discretion
Please read the notice of rejection carefully and follow the advice given
We will tell you how much you must pay and how to pay. Not paying will mean an increase in the amount you owe and enforcement action continuing
We will tell you about your right to appeal to an independent adjudicator
We may ask you for additional information. If this is the case then follow the advice given and return the information to us within the time stipulated
Do not do nothing

Grounds for making a representation

A representation may be made on one of six grounds, or if none of these are applicable you may state the reasons why you do not believe that you are liable for the PCN.

Each ground for representation is defined by Parliament in the regulations governing Congestion Charging.

By clicking on each number below you can find out about each ground, the evidence you need to provide and the circumstances that are applicable. This does not affect your right to make a representation but is a guide to assist you.

Remember,it is for you to prove that you meet any of these grounds.

Ground one: I was not the keeper at the time of the contravention, eg I have never been the keeper, I ceased to be the keeper, I became the keeper after the date of the contravention.

The regulations define this ground as follows.

That the recipient:

Never was the registered keeper in relation to the vehicle in question, or
Had ceased to be the person liable before the date on which the vehicle was used or kept on a road in a charging area, or
Became the person liable after that date

The person liable for a PCN is the registered keeper of the vehicle at the time of the contravention as recorded by the DVLA/DVA. We therefore contact the relevant agency to identify the name and address of the registered keeper on the day of the contravention so that a PCN can be issued to that person.

As there is a legal requirement for the DVLA/DVA to be notified of any change in the details of the registered keeper, including name and address, any failure to do so may mean that you are still liable for the charges and penalty charges.

If you have received a PCN for a vehicle that you have sold, or ceased to be the registered keeper of, and you have not told the DVLA/DVA of the change of keeper prior to the contravention again you may remain liable for the PCN.

However, you can still make a representation and should provide as much evidence as possible to support your representation. This may include:

A copy of the V5C notification sent to the DVLA/DVA detailing the name and address of the new keeper and confirmation of when it was sent, and/or
A bill of sale showing the date of sale and the name and address of the new keeper, and/or
A part-exchange notice from a garage, showing their name and address, that fully identifies the vehicle and when it was taken in part exchange, and/or
An invoice showing the relevant vehicle registration, its date of sale and the full name and address (including post code) of the person/garage it was sold to, and/or
A confirmation letter from the DVLA/DVA stating they accept you are not the keeper of the vehicle and the letter includes the dates you notified them and the date they accept when the change of keeper took place, and/or
If your vehicle was returned/repossessed under a finance agreement, documentary evidence from the finance company that they have received your vehicle and confirming the date the vehicle was removed/repossessed

If you purchased the vehicle or believe you became liable after the date of the contravention you should provide as much evidence as possible to support your representation. This may include:

A copy of your V5C notification sent to you as the new keeper from the DVLA/DVA, and/or
An invoice showing the relevant vehicle registration with its date of sale to you and the full name and address (including post code) of the person/garage who sold you the vehicle, and/or
A bill of sale showing the date of sale and the name and address of the previous keeper, and/or
A confirmation letter from the DVLA/DVA stating they accept you are the new keeper of the vehicle also confirming the date they accept that the change of keeper took place

If you believe that the contravening vehicle in the image on the PCN is not your vehicle your representation to us will need to be supported by as much evidence as possible.

This may include:

Proof the vehicle was at a different location at the time of the contravention using a 'tracker report', statements from colleagues or neighbours asserting the vehicle was at a different location
Photos of your vehicle (front, back and both sides) that show a difference in the vehicle, eg number plate/distinguishing marks
Proof that a crime has been previously reported to the police regarding the vehicle for example if stolen or if a vehicle is breaking the law by displaying the same number plate (referred to as 'cloned' or 'ringed' vehicles). This should include the name and telephone number of the police station it was reported to along with the relevant incident or crime reference number
Confirmation from another enforcement agency, eg police or local authority, outlining that they have confirmed the vehicle is cloned/ringed for us to consider

We will always consider the use of our discretion if you supply details and evidence of any mitigating circumstances.

Ground two: I had paid the Congestion Charge due for the vehicle used on that date, in the time and manner required by the charging scheme.

The regulations define the ground as:

That the charge payable for the use or keeping of the vehicle on a road on the occasion in question was paid at the time and manner required by the charging scheme.

This means that the Congestion Charge must be paid for the actual vehicle that is used in the Congestion Charging zone and for the actual date. You must ensure that the number plate that has been paid for matches that of the vehicle used.

If making a representation on this ground then you need to prove that you have paid the charge for the correct vehicle registration number and correct date (the contravention date).

The easiest way to do this is to provide your receipt showing all the details (when purchasing the charge we always offer a receipt)
Check the number plate matches that shown on the PCN
Check that the date of travel matches that shown on the PCN
If either of these details do not match then this is why you have received the PCN
If you notice such a mistake then you can still make a representation but it may only be accepted at our discretion
If you have made a mistake when purchasing the charge please try not to make the same mistake again
If you do not have your receipt then you could demonstrate you have paid if you have used a credit or debit card. Please provide either:
- a copy of your credit/debit card statement, date of payment and the credit/debit card number and we will try to trace your payment or;
- a letter from your bank which confirms the details of the payment transaction
If you have neither of these, then you may still make a representation but it will be very hard for you to prove that the PCN was issued incorrectly; we will of course check all our records thoroughly

Most people believe that they have paid the charge but there are a number of common errors which include:

Paying for the incorrect number plate. As you may have discovered you need to pay the charge for the number plate that is held by the DVLA/DVA and shown on your vehicle
The number 0 (zero) is often confused with the alpha character O (Oscar) and the number 1 (one) is often confused with the alpha character I (Indigo)
Characters are often transposed such as switching the first three letters with the last three, e.g. actual number plate is ABC123 but the paid for number plate is 123ABC
Paying for the wrong date. Always double check the date you want to pay for especially if you are paying in advance
If paying via the internet make sure you:
- Enter the details correctly and double check the details. People have been known to enter their car make into the data fields
- Obtain a receipt reference to show your payment has been completed. We always offer a receipt when a payment completes, if a receipt is not provided, then payment of the charge cannot be guaranteed
If paying via the call centre use the phonetic alphabet (i.e. A=Alpha, B=Bravo, C=Charlie). Make sure the staff member uses the phonetic alphabet, get them to check the make and model of the vehicle, the date of travel and request a receipt. Make sure you make a note of the receipt number in case the receipt should get mislaid
If paying via mobile phone text messaging, make sure you sent the text and make sure the details sent were correct. Please do not assume any messages we send back are your receipt. Please read and respond to any message we send back if appropriate. If a valid confirmation receipt message has not been received then payment of the charge cannot be guaranteed
Only pay a discounted charge if you are registered as a resident
Paying via a third party (website or other) and making any charge payment error

If you have made an error then we may use our discretion but this is not guaranteed and please do not repeat the error in the future.

Remember: You need to provide proof that the charge was paid.

We will always consider the use of our discretion if you supply details and evidence of any mitigating circumstance.

Ground three: no penalty charge is payable under the charging scheme, eg I was not within the charging area during charging hours.

The regulations define this ground as:

That no penalty charge is payable under the charging scheme.

There are a number of circumstances which may or may not be applicable (remember to provide as much supporting evidence as you can) including:

Exempt vehicles. Exemptions are usually based upon the taxation class of the vehicle recorded by the DVLA/DVA. If you believe your vehicle is tax exempt then you must enclose proof of the exemption by providing your V5C showing the taxation class
100% discount. There are various 100% discounts available for certain vehicles provided they are first registered with us. This includes those for 9+ seater vehicles and recovery vehicles. Until a vehicle is successfully registered you are required to pay the full daily charge. If you believe that your vehicle is registered, then please provide proof of the registration including the letter confirming the acceptance of your discount. Remember to check that the number plate has been recorded correctly
Blue Badge holders. To receive the Blue Badge discount you must first be registered with us and have nominated the exact number plate used on the date of the contravention on the Blue Badge account. To make a representation please provide evidence of the confirmation that the Blue Badge holder has registered with Congestion Charging and that the vehicle was nominated on the account. If you add the vehicle to an account via the call centre please provide details of when and who you spoke to. If you have not renewed your application you may still be liable for the PCN
Residents. Residents must first be registered with us to receive a 90% discount of the charge. If you are a resident and believe you are registered please provide proof of your registration. You will also need to have paid the charge at the discounted rate. Remember to provide as much information as possible to support your representation, such as copies of your confirmation letter and proof that the charge was paid for the correct vehicle and date of travel
London licensed taxis, minicabs and Hackney Carriages registered with the Taxi and Private Hire Office. If you believe your vehicle is correctly registered with the Taxi and Private Hire Office then please provide all the appropriate confirmation letters with your representation
Diverted into the Congestion Charging zone. If you are diverted into the Congestion Charging zone due to an incident, accident or roadworks, you should either follow the diversion route or leave as soon as possible. When making a representation please give as many details as possible including the location and time of the diversion and if you spoke with a police officer. We will check our records to confirm if there was a diversion. If, however, you enter the Congestion Charging zone just to avoid traffic or got lost or swerved, then these are not valid grounds for representation
Signs and boundary. The boundary to the Congestion Charging zone is clearly marked with the Department for Transport approved road traffic sign and if you pass this road traffic sign during charging hours you must pay the charge. You should note that at certain boundary points, but not all, there is also a red C painted on the road itself. However, you do not have to have crossed a red C to have entered the Congestion Charging zone and these symbols are there for information purposes only. Reasons such as you not seeing the signs or there not being enough signs will not be accepted. However, if you believe that your vehicle did not enter the Congestion Charging zone or the signs are incorrect please provide full details with your representation including the exact location and route you took
Leaving the Congestion Charging zone. This will not be accepted as a valid reason for non-payment of the charge as the Congestion Charge is payable if a vehicle travels within the Congestion Charging zone during charging hours whether entering, exiting or just moving within the zone

We will always consider the use of our discretion if you supply details and evidence of any mitigating circumstances.

Ground five: the penalty charge exceeds the amount payable in the circumstances of the case, eg I have been requested to pay a penalty charge amount above that detailed in the regulations.

This may mean that you are being asked to pay a penalty charge amount above that detailed in the regulations. Reasons would include:

The amount shown on the PCN is incorrect - please provide a copy of the PCN
You have already paid the PCN - please provide proof of payment. If you have a receipt please provide this or if not, confirmation that the money has been taken from your account. Remember you need to have allowed time for the payment to have been received

We will always consider the use of our discretion if you supply details and evidence of any mitigating circumstances.

Ground six: we are a vehicle hire firm and the vehicle was hired under an agreement at the time and the person liable signed a statement of liability for any resulting penalty charges.

The regulations define this ground as:

That the recipient is a vehicle-hire firm and

The vehicle in question was at the material time hired from that firm under a hiring agreement; and
The person hiring it had signed a statement of liability acknowledging his liability in respect of any Penalty Charge Notice imposed in relation to the vehicle during the currency of the hiring agreement

If you are the registered keeper of the vehicle, and want to transfer liability to the hirer, liability can only be transferred if you can provide a hire agreement that shows you, as the registered keeper, have entered into an agreement with a hirer to hire the vehicle and the agreement fully meets the requirements of Section 66 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988, and

The vehicle is on hire for a period of less than six months, and
The agreement has a signed statement of liability and
The hire agreement has all the relevant information on it where relevant as defined in Schedule 2 of the Road Traffic (Owner Liability) Regulations 2000

A director of a hire company cannot transfer liability from themselves where they are the registered keeper of the vehicle using the 'company hire agreement'. This is because as a director you are a separate legal entity to the hire company and the hire agreement is not sufficient to transfer liability away from you.

Schedule 2 of the Road Traffic (Owner Liability) Regulations 2000

Particulars required in a hiring agreement to comply with Section 66 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988.

Particulars of person signing statement of liability

Full name
Date of birth
Permanent address
Address at time of hiring (if different from 3 above and stay is likely to be more than two months from date of hiring)
Details of driving licence:
- country where issued (if not UK)
- serial number or driver's number
- date of expiry (which should be no later than date specified in B7 below)

If the person taking possession of the vehicle is not the same as the person by or on whose behalf the statement was signed, the full name of that person should also be supplied (if known).

Particulars of hiring agreements

Number plate of vehicle hired under the hiring agreement
Make and model of vehicle hired under the hiring agreement
Number plate of any vehicle substituted for the above during the currency of the hiring agreement
Make and model of any vehicle substituted for the above during the currency of the hiring agreement
Time and date of any change of vehicle
Time and date of commencement of original hiring period
Expected time and date of expiry of original hiring period
Time and date of commencement of authorised extension of hiring period*
Expected time and date of expiry of authorised extension of hiring period*
Actual time and date of return of vehicle (or when vehicle returned out of hours; time and date on which vehicle hire firm next opened for business)*

* This requirement applies only to the vehicle hire firm's copy of the hiring agreement.

We will always consider the use of our discretion if you supply details and evidence of any mitigating circumstances.

Mitigation and discretion: if none of the six grounds are applicable you may still make a representation to us, explaining your circumstances and we will carefully consider these.

If none of the six grounds are applicable you may still make a representation to us, explaining your circumstances and we will carefully consider these.

We will consider mitigating circumstances and in reaching any decision we will always consider the use of our discretion.

Below are examples of circumstances where we have rejected a representation:

Forgetting to pay the charge but with no mitigating circumstances for this
Not knowing how to pay the charge
Not meaning to enter the Congestion Charge Zone but entered as a result of getting lost
Disapproval of the Congestion Charge
Not knowing about the Congestion Charge
Paying the charge via a third party, including and not limited to unofficial websites

If these circumstances match yours then we recommend that you pay the PCN and remember to pay the charge in the future through official channels only. If you are a regular user you may wish to register for Auto Pay. Alternatively, you could pay for a monthly or annual charge which will include some free days.

We do not authorise any third-party website partners to purchase the charge. We are not responsible for any charge payment error or failure that may occur if you use such a website to purchase a charge or where they may purchase the charge on your behalf. We will consider any representations made in these instances on a case-by-case basis. In all cases you would need to consider and provide full supporting evidence that shows your payment, such as bank or credit card statement and any receipt showing the registration number and date of travel.

We are unlikely to accept any representations made where you state you paid the charge via a third party, including and not limited to unofficial websites where you cannot provide a receipt and proof you made the payment.

If, however there are mitigating circumstances which meant that you could not pay or had to enter the zone in an emergency then we may consider these so please make a representation.

You will need to explain the circumstances that prevented you from paying and you should provide supporting evidence to demonstrate the emergency. For example, you may have been prevented from paying the charge due to a medical emergency or made a genuine attempt to pay the charge. Where this is the case, you should explain the circumstances as fully as possible and enclose as much evidence as possible to support your case.

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Make a representation

Online

In writing

The registered keeper

Our response

A request for additional evidence

A notice of acceptance

A notice of rejection

Grounds for making a representation

Schedule 2 of the Road Traffic (Owner Liability) Regulations 2000

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Make a representation

London road user charging

Online

In writing

The registered keeper

Our response

A request for additional evidence

A notice of acceptance

A notice of rejection

Grounds for making a representation

Schedule 2 of the Road Traffic (Owner Liability) Regulations 2000