Find Key Cases
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.
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.
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.
How long does an authority have to consider representations?
Decision Date: 2024-02-27
An authority must usually respond to representations made against a PCN within 56 days. After such time, the representations are usually deemed to have been accepted.
How long does an authority have to issue a PCN?
Decision Date: 2024-02-27
A PCN must be issued before the end of 28 days, beginning with the date of the contravention.
I have paid my PCN, can I still appeal?
Decision Date: 2024-02-27
Paying a PCN, either at the discount rate (within 14 days) or otherwise, is considered to be accepting the penalty was issued correctly. An appeal can only be made if the PCN is first challenged with the authority through to the representations stage and a Notice of Rejection of Representations has been received.
What happens if I ignore the PCN?
Decision Date: 2023-10-12
If PCN remains unpaid or is ignored, the authority that issued it has the right to increase the charge and register the outstanding amount as a debt.
28 days after either:
• receiving a Notice to Owner (parking PCNs only) or a PCN by post and either not paying the PCN or making representations to the authority;
• receiving a Notice of Rejection of Representations (after making representations to the authority that issued the PCN) and either not paying the PCN or appealing to an independent adjudicator;
• an adjudicator dismissing your appeal and not paying the PCN
you are likely to receive a Charge Certificate, which increases the penalty charge owed by 50% and means you no longer have a right to make representations (some authorities may still accept representations, but this will be at their discretion).
If the PCN remains unpaid 14 days after receipt of a Charge Certificate, the authority can register the debt with the Traffic Enforcement Centre at the Northampton County Court and you will be sent an Order for Recovery, with the risk of Bailiffs (‘civil enforcement agents’) taking action to collect the debt after 21 days.
English (UK) 
Cymraeg