Challenge a Penalty Charge Notice — English letter template

Use this if you think the PCN is wrong, for example the signs were unclear or you had a valid permit. Send it within the discount period (usually 14 days) — the council often keeps the discount open while it looks at it. Many councils also accept challenges online.

What the letter says

I challenge this Penalty Charge Notice. Reason: [your reason]. I attach proof. Please cancel the PCN, or keep the discount open while you consider this.

The letter in English

Fill in the parts in [brackets], print, sign and send it by post. Keep a copy.

[Your full name]
[Your address]
[Town and postcode]

[Name of the agency or company]
[Address from the letter]

[Town], [DD/MM/YYYY]

Re: Challenge to Penalty Charge Notice

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am challenging the Penalty Charge Notice dated [DD/MM/YYYY].

Reason: [Explain why the PCN should be cancelled, for example: the parking signs were missing or unclear / I had a valid permit or ticket / I was loading or unloading.]

[I have attached photos and other proof.]

Please cancel the PCN. If you do not agree, please keep the discounted amount open while you consider my challenge.

Yours faithfully,


[Signature]
[Your full name]

When you check your own letter with Briefly, it fills in the date, reference numbers and amounts for you.