Transport for London • Congestion Charge PCN

Transport for London Congestion Charge PCN: Check Auto-Pay and Exemptions

Congestion charge PCNs from Transport for London are ANPR-enforced. Upload your notice and Parking Mate AI checks auto-pay, exemptions, and camera evidence.

London TribunalsCongestion Charge PCN
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Quick answer

A congestion charge penalty charge notice from Transport for London is issued when a vehicle enters the central London congestion charge zone during operating hours without paying the daily charge. Common grounds for challenge include auto-pay failures, vehicle exemptions, signage defects at the zone boundary, and camera evidence defects. You can make representations to TfL and, if rejected, appeal to London Tribunals. Parking Mate AI checks all applicable grounds.

What is a Transport for London congestion charge PCN?

The congestion charge is a daily charge for driving within central London's congestion charge zone during operating hours. It is enforced by Transport for London using ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras at the zone boundary and within the zone.

The charge currently applies Monday to Friday 7am to 6pm and weekends 12pm to 6pm (excluding bank holidays and the period between Christmas Day and New Year's Day). If you do not pay the daily charge, Transport for London issues a penalty charge notice.

Common grounds for challenge include auto-pay account failures where the system did not process your payment, vehicle exemptions (electric vehicles, disabled vehicles, motorcycles, etc.), and signage defects at the zone boundary.

Parking Mate AI checks your congestion charge PCN against all applicable rules including auto-pay records, vehicle exemption eligibility, zone boundary signage, camera evidence quality, and service timelines. If defects are found, you receive a professional letter for representations to TfL or appeal to London Tribunals.

Common Transport for London congestion charge PCN defects

Auto-pay failure

If your auto-pay account was active and properly set up but the payment was not processed, Transport for London should not have issued a PCN. Provide evidence of your active account.

Vehicle exemption

Certain vehicles are exempt from the congestion charge including electric vehicles, disabled vehicles, motorcycles, and vehicles with 9+ seats. If your vehicle qualifies, the PCN is invalid.

Zone boundary signage

Transport for London must display clear signage at the congestion charge zone boundary. Missing, obscured, or confusing signs at your entry point can support a challenge.

Camera evidence defects

ANPR evidence must clearly identify your vehicle. If the number plate reading is incorrect or the images are unclear, this is a valid ground for challenge.

Outside operating hours

The congestion charge only applies during specified hours. If the camera evidence shows your vehicle was in the zone outside charging hours, the PCN should not have been issued.

Evidence for your Transport for London congestion charge PCN appeal

Your auto-pay account details and payment history

Proof of vehicle exemption if applicable (V5C, disability documentation)

Photographs of zone boundary signage at your entry point

The camera evidence images provided by Transport for London

Dashcam footage if available showing zone boundary signage

Any correspondence with Transport for London about the PCN

Related

Other Transport for London PCN help

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FAQs

Transport for London Congestion Charge PCN FAQs

Common questions about Transport for London congestion charge PCNs and how Parking Mate AI can help.

How do I appeal a Transport for London congestion charge PCN?

To appeal a Transport for London congestion charge penalty charge notice, make representations to Transport for London within 28 days. Common grounds include auto-pay failures, vehicle exemptions, and signage defects at the zone boundary. Parking Mate AI identifies which grounds apply.

What is the Transport for London congestion charge?

The congestion charge is a daily charge for driving within central London's congestion charge zone during operating hours. It is enforced by Transport for London using ANPR cameras. Failure to pay results in a penalty charge notice. The charge currently applies Monday to Friday, 7am to 6pm, and weekends 12pm to 6pm.

What if my Transport for London congestion charge auto-pay failed?

If your auto-pay account was active and properly set up but the payment was not taken, this can be a valid ground for challenging a Transport for London congestion charge PCN. You should provide evidence of your active auto-pay registration and payment history.

What vehicles are exempt from the Transport for London congestion charge?

Vehicles exempt from the Transport for London congestion charge include certain disabled vehicles, electric vehicles meeting emission standards, vehicles with 9+ seats, and motorcycles. If your vehicle qualifies for an exemption, this is a valid ground for challenging the PCN.

How much is a Transport for London congestion charge PCN?

A Transport for London congestion charge PCN carries a penalty of £160, reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days. The daily congestion charge itself is currently £15. Making representations suspends the payment deadline until the challenge is resolved.

Can I appeal a Transport for London congestion charge PCN to London Tribunals?

Yes. If Transport for London rejects your representations against a congestion charge PCN, you can appeal to London Tribunals within 28 days. An independent adjudicator reviews the evidence. Parking Mate AI prepares your case for tribunal.

What signage is required at the Transport for London congestion charge zone boundary?

Transport for London must display clear signage at the boundary of the congestion charge zone, including the large red C signs and advance warning signs. If the signage was missing, obscured, or confusing at the point where you entered the zone, this can support a challenge.

Can Parking Mate AI help with a Transport for London congestion charge PCN?

Yes. Upload your Transport for London congestion charge PCN and Parking Mate AI checks for auto-pay issues, vehicle exemptions, signage defects, camera evidence problems, and service timelines. If defects are found, you receive a professional appeal letter.

What if I drove through the zone but was not driving during charging hours?

The Transport for London congestion charge only applies during specified hours. If you drove through the zone outside charging hours, you should not have received a PCN. Check the timestamps on the camera evidence against the published operating hours. Parking Mate AI verifies this automatically.

What evidence do I need for a Transport for London congestion charge PCN appeal?

Key evidence includes your auto-pay account details (if applicable), proof of vehicle exemption, photographs of signage at the zone boundary, dashcam footage, and the camera evidence from Transport for London. Parking Mate AI tells you exactly what to gather.

Need help with your Transport for London congestion charge PCN?

Upload your notice from Transport for London (TfL) for a free Parking Mate AI defect check. If grounds are found, get a professional congestion charge PCN letter ready to send.

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