Council PCN or private parking charge: how to tell them apart

Council or TfL penalty charge notice

Issued by a local authority or Transport for London under the Traffic Management Act 2004, usually on a public road or a council car park. It is challenged with the council, then by appeal to an independent tribunal: the Traffic Penalty Tribunal outside London, or London Tribunals in London.

NoticeClear does not handle council or TfL notices. GOV.UK and the tribunal websites explain that route.

Private parking charge notice

Issued by a private company managing land for its owner, such as a retail park, hospital or residential site. It is a demand under the terms on the signs. A disputed charge can be challenged: first with the operator, then with POPLA or the IAS if the operator belongs to the BPA or the IPC.

Quick signs

A council notice names the council and refers to a penalty charge and the Traffic Management Act. A private notice names a company, often shows a BPA or IPC logo, and usually refers to a parking charge and to the terms on the signs.

This guide is general information about private parking charges in England and Wales. It is not legal advice. The dates and wording on your own notice control, and every point is fact-dependent.

Common questions