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Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about PCN appeals and our service

About PCN Appeals

A PCN (Penalty Charge Notice) is a parking or traffic fine issued by local councils or private parking companies. Yes, you can appeal most PCNs if you have valid grounds.

Common reasons for successful appeals include:

  • Unclear or missing parking signs
  • Medical emergency or breakdown
  • Incorrect vehicle registration details
  • Valid permit not recognised
  • Faulty parking meters

You typically have 28 days from the date of issue to make an informal challenge (before the Notice to Owner is sent).

After receiving a Notice to Owner, you have 28 days to make a formal representation.

Important: These deadlines are strict. Missing them can result in increased penalties and fewer appeal options.

Council PCNs: Issued by local authorities for on-street parking violations. These follow statutory procedures and can be enforced through official channels.

Private Parking Charges: Issued by private companies on private land (supermarkets, retail parks, etc.). These are contractual charges, not fines, and have different appeal processes.

Our service handles both types and tailors advice accordingly.

Strong evidence significantly improves your chances. Consider gathering:

  • Photos: Parking signs, your vehicle's position, meter displays, road markings
  • Documentation: Valid permits, payment receipts, medical certificates
  • Witness statements: From people who saw the incident
  • Timeline evidence: Photos with timestamps, CCTV footage
Tip: Take photos immediately when you receive a PCN, even if you plan to appeal later.
Using Our Service

Yes, completely free! There are no hidden fees, subscriptions, or charges. We believe everyone should have access to quality appeal guidance regardless of their financial situation.

You won't be asked for payment information at any point in the process.

Our AI system is trained on thousands of successful appeals and current parking regulations. However, we provide guidance, not legal advice.

The AI analysis helps identify potential appeal grounds and suggests approaches, but every case is unique. We recommend:

  • Reviewing our suggestions carefully
  • Adapting advice to your specific circumstances
  • Consulting a legal professional for complex cases

No, we cannot guarantee success. Appeal outcomes depend on many factors including:

  • The specific circumstances of your case
  • Quality and relevance of evidence
  • How well you present your case
  • The discretion of the adjudicator

However, we do provide an honest assessment of your appeal's likelihood of success and help you present the strongest possible case.

To get the best advice, you'll need:

  • PCN details: Type, reason, date issued, amount
  • Location details: Where and when the incident occurred
  • Circumstances: What happened, any mitigating factors
  • Evidence: Any photos, documents, or witness information

The more accurate information you provide, the better our AI can analyse your case and suggest appropriate appeal strategies.

Appeal Process

The process varies depending on who issued your PCN:

Council PCNs:

  • Your appeal is reviewed by the parking department
  • If rejected, you can appeal to an independent tribunal
  • Response time: Usually 2-6 weeks

Private Parking:

  • Appeals go to the operator first, then independent appeals service
  • May involve POPLA (Parking on Private Land Appeals)
  • Response time: Usually 2-8 weeks

Generally, no. You should not pay a PCN while your appeal is being considered, as payment is usually considered acceptance of liability.

Exception: If you're appealing on grounds of mitigation (accepting you were wrong but asking for leniency), the situation may be different.

Our service will advise you on the best approach for your specific situation.

Don't give up! If your initial appeal is rejected, you usually have further options:

  • Independent Appeals: Traffic Penalty Tribunal (council PCNs) or POPLA (private parking)
  • Additional Evidence: You may be able to provide new evidence
  • Different Grounds: Appeal on alternative grounds if new issues emerge

Our service can help you understand your next steps and prepare for further appeals if needed.

Technical Support

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If problems persist, contact us at contact@rightswise.uk with details about your browser and the issue.

Yes, we take your privacy seriously. We implement industry-standard security measures and follow GDPR requirements.

  • We only collect information necessary to provide our service
  • Your data is encrypted in transit and at rest
  • We never share your personal information with third parties
  • You can request deletion of your data at any time

See our Privacy Policy for full details.

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