Making a Representation

If you wish to challenge the PCN then you have 28 days from the date of service of the PCN to get your Representation to TfL. TfL does not have to consider any Representations received outside the 28 day period.

Do not delay in sending us your Representation
If you are prevented from making your Representation we do use our discretion and may consider it
You must explain the reason why your Representation is late and provide supporting evidence as merely having forgotten is not a valid reason, i.e. if you were prevented from making the Representation due to illness or a holiday then enclose proof of these circumstances and we may consider it
When we receive your Representation the PCN will be frozen until we have investigated it and written back to you with our reply

In writing

Representations must be made in writing. The easiest way 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 2984, Coventry CV7 8YR
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 the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

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

TfL's Response

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

A Notice of Acceptance

This means that you are no longer liable for the PCN
Please read all the details in the letter as we will often explain why you received the PCN and what you can do to prevent further PCNs

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 all the details as we will explain why you are still liable
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
If applicable 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

The 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 governing regulations.

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 e.g. I have never been the keeper, I ceased to be the keeper, I became the keeper after the date of the contravention
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
Ground three
No penalty charge is payable under the charging scheme e.g. I was not within the charging area during charging hours
Ground four
The vehicle was used or kept without my consent e.g. stolen
Ground five
The penalty charge exceeds the amount payable in the circumstances of the case, e.g. I have been requested to pay a penalty charge amount above that detailed in the regulations
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

Mitigation and discretion

If none of the six grounds are applicable you may still make a Representation to TfL, 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 Charging Zone but entered as a result of getting lost
Disapproval of Congestion Charging
Not knowing about Congestion Charging

If these circumstances match yours then we recommend that you pay the PCN and remember to pay the charge in the future. If you are a regular user you may wish to pay for a monthly or annual charge which will include some free days.

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.