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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.
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.
The civil enforcement officer got the colour of my vehicle wrong, is the PCN still enforceable?
Decision Date: 2023-10-12
The colour of the vehicle recorded by an officer sometimes differs to that shown in the vehicle’s log book. However, the colour of a vehicle is not a piece of evidence that is required to be included in the details of a PCN under the relevant regulations.
While the colour may be of significance if a motorist is disputing that the vehicle observed was their vehicle (i.e. a cloned vehicle or a mistake in recording the vehicle registration mark), the colour is usually irrelevant.
I was only just late back to my car after the PCN had been issued, surely there is a grace period?
Decision Date: 2023-10-12
A PCN is unlikely to be issued if the vehicle has only been left for up to 10 minutes past the permitted / paid for parking period. The enforcement authority is not entitled to issue a ticket until 10 minutes has elapsed from the period of paid for time (i.e. ten minutes after the expiry of your pay and display ticket) or ten minutes after a period of free parking has elapsed.
However, the rules do not provide a blanket ten minute period of grace wherever you have parked as has been widely erroneously reported. The grace period only applies to vehicles that are parked in a designated parking place (paid for or having been allowed time), not for vehicles left on yellow lines or in a parking space for ten minutes without paying.
See Key Case: Chaudry v Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea ETA 2160157321).
Can I park for 20 minutes to unload without paying?
Decision Date: 2023-10-12
This only applies when a motorist is engaged in a continuous loading or unloading activity. A motorist has up to 20 minutes to unload, not 20 minutes to park, having unloaded.
When loading and waiting restrictions are in force at all times, they are marked by double kerb chevrons on the double yellow line – there will not be an accompanying sign. When waiting is prohibited at certain times, there will be one kerb chevron and a sign advising of the loading/waiting restriction times.
See Key Case:Alan Bosworth and others v The London Borough of Tower Hamlets and others ETA (2015).
I paid for parking but still received a PCN. What can I do?
Decision Date: 2023-10-12
You can challenge the PCN with the authority by providing evidence of payment, such as a parking receipt or digital transaction record, to demonstrate that you complied with the restrictions and made the required payment.
My PCN was issued on the basis of CCTV evidence, doesn’t this make it unenforceable?
Decision Date: 2023-10-12
While the relevant regulations curtail the use of CCTV, generally, there are exceptions; namely, in bus lanes, at bus stops or stands, on school entrance markings and on red routes. At these locations, PCNs may still be served by post. The rules do not provide a blanket prohibition on CCTV enforcement as is widely believed and sometimes reported in the media.
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