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Browse key cases using the filter for either ‘Contravention type’ OR ‘Issue’. Alternatively, use the ‘Search…’ box to find cases through a custom query.

Cases on the site currently cover parking, bus lane, moving traffic and road user charging, including the London Congestion Charge and Clean Air Zones (outside London). More cases and contravention types will be added in due course.

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Please note: All adjudicator decisions included on this website are in the public domain. While they have been curated together here for the convenience and interest of users, any information contained within the decisions remains the responsibility of the original adjudicating body. Any questions relating to the content of cases should also be directed to the adjudicating body.

What evidence do I need to demonstrate that my vehicle has been cloned?

Decision Date: 2025-04-25

Please note: The tribunal will not contact witnesses or collect evidence on your behalf.

There are a number of things which may help you show the adjudicator that your vehicle has been cloned.

First, provide the crime reference number (you should report a cloned vehicle to the police).

Second, provide clear photographs of each side of your vehicle so that they may be compared with the council’s photographs.

Third, cloned vehicles usually attract multiple penalties and criminal summonses. Provide details of all other penalties/police summonses received.

Fourth, if you have evidence of your vehicle’s whereabouts at the time of the contravention then this should also be provided (for example evidence of parking paid for the vehicle elsewhere).

Each case is determined on the evidence and it will be a matter for the adjudicator to assess the evidence that you provide.

What evidence do I need to demonstrate that my vehicle was taken without my consent?

Decision Date: 2025-04-25

Please note: The tribunal will not contact witnesses or collect evidence on your behalf.

First, provide a copy of any communication with the police, including the crime reference number that will have been issued to you. If you have not reported the incident to the police, explain why not.

Second, provide any evidence and information that will support your account including:

  1. how the person who took the vehicle was able to drive it (how they had access to the vehicle and the keys)
  2. whether they were insured to drive the vehicle or had previously been given permission to use it (if so, when and how was this rescinded)
  3. when you discovered the vehicle was taken and when and how it was returned.

Each case is determined on the evidence and it will be a matter for the adjudicator to assess the evidence that you provide.

What evidence do I need to demonstrate that a vehicle has been sold/was purchased after the date of contravention in Clean Air Zone or Road User Charge appeals?

Decision Date: 2025-04-25

Please note: The tribunal will not contact witnesses or collect evidence on your behalf.

Proof of transfer of ownership before the relevant date and time is NOT sufficient on its own to transfer liability for the penalty charge.

The law requires that you MUST also prove that you notified DVLA of the change in ownership BEFORE the relevant date and time.

If you notified DVLA by sending the relevant part of the Registration Certificate (V5C) to DVLA by post before the relevant date and time, you should say when and where it was posted and by whom. If it was sent by Recorded Delivery or Registered Post, you should provide a copy of the Post Office receipt if available.

If you notified DVLA online you should say when you did so and provide the online notification receipt.

What evidence do I need to demonstrate that a vehicle has been sold/was purchased after the date of contravention in parking and traffic cases?

Decision Date: 2025-04-25

Please note: The tribunal will not contact witnesses or collect evidence on your behalf.

If DVLA records show that you were the registered keeper of the vehicle at the date of the contravention, the burden of proof rests with you to demonstrate that the vehicle was sold before the date of contravention or bought after the date of contravention.  You should provide the following evidence to the adjudicator:

  1. The name and address of the purchaser/seller.
  2. The invoice or memorandum of sale.
  3. Copies of any messaging/emails/correspondence between you and the purchaser/seller regarding the sale/purchase.
  4. A bank statement showing receipt of the sale price and the date of receipt (for purchase evidence of the transfer of funds).
  5. Documentation/an email from your insurance company evidencing the date of cancellation of your policy in respect of the sold vehicle/commencement of insurance for a purchased vehicle.
  6. Documentation from DVLA confirming that you notified them of the change of ownership and date of notification e.g. online notification receipt or postal acknowledgement.

 

See separate question / answer under ‘General information’ for Clean Air Zone and other Road User Charging cases.

I am a Freeman of the Land (or claiming another legal exemption), do I still have to pay / challenge a PCN?

Decision Date: 2024-02-27

The Freeman on the Land movement and similar groups commonly believe that people are only bound by the contracts and laws they have consented to. However, contract law and alleged rights under common law are not the same as legislation relating to the issuing of PCNs and their subsequent recovery.

Motorists do not have a choice as to whether they are liable for a PCN Notice and being a ‘freeman’ does not exempt anyone from paying such a PCN if it has been correctly issued.

Liability for the payment of a PCN is not dependent on, and does not require, consent or the existence of a contractual relationship with the council. Any such assertion to the contrary is incorrect and there is no legal basis upon which to make this argument.

In addition, the following references also have no legal basis for challenging the issuing of a PCN:

  • ‘lawful rebellion’
  • Article 61 of the Magna Carta
  • the Coronation Oath Act 1688
  • The Bill of Rights Act 1689
  • the ‘People’s peace’
  • legal fictions, ‘straw men’ and ‘I, X of the family Y’
  • maritime or admiralty law
  • Uniform Commercial Code
  • Notice of removal of implied right of access.