Lifestyle

Lewisham PCN Appeal | Deadlines, Forms, and Rejection

March 18, 2025

9 minute read

Table of Contents

Have you recently received a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) in Lewisham and are unsure how to challenge it?

Many drivers in the UK face similar situations, wondering whether they have a valid reason to appeal, what the deadlines are, and what to do if their appeal is rejected.

Understanding the Lewisham PCN appeal process can help you decide on the best course of action and potentially save you from paying an unfair fine.

This guide provides detailed insights into who issues a PCN, how to challenge it, necessary forms, deadlines, and what happens if an appeal is rejected.

Whether the ticket was issued by an enforcement officer or captured through CCTV, knowing the right steps to take is crucial.

What is PCN?

A Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) is a legal notice issued for various traffic or parking violations in the London Borough of Lewisham.

These fines are typically enforced by the local council under civil enforcement rules and can be issued for different offences, including parking violations, moving traffic offences, and bus lane contraventions.

PCNs are different from fixed penalty notices issued by the police. A PCN does not result in criminal charges, but failure to address it can lead to increased penalties and legal enforcement actions. The most common reasons for receiving a PCN in Lewisham include:

Parking Contraventions such as parking in a restricted zone, overstaying paid parking, or parking on double yellow lines
Bus Lane Violations for entering or driving in a restricted bus lane
Traffic Offences including stopping in a box junction or making an illegal turn

PCNs are issued by Lewisham Council, either directly by enforcement officers or through automated systems such as CCTV cameras.

These notices provide details of the alleged violation, the fine amount, and how to pay or appeal the penalty.

How to Appeal a Lewisham PCN?

If you believe that a Lewisham PCN was issued unfairly, you have the right to challenge it. The appeal process involves several steps and must be followed correctly to increase your chances of success.

The appeal process generally follows these stages:

1. Informal Challenge

If the PCN was issued on your vehicle, you can submit an informal challenge before the fine increases.
This must be done before the Notice to Owner (NTO) is sent.

2. Formal Representation

If the informal appeal is rejected or you receive an NTO, you can make a formal representation.
This must be submitted within 28 days of receiving the NTO.
You need to provide strong evidence such as photos, witness statements, or proof of exemption.

3. Appealing to the Adjudicator

If your formal appeal is rejected, you can take your case to the London Tribunals.
This is an independent body that reviews PCN disputes.

When submitting an appeal, it is important to explain your reason clearly and attach all supporting documents. If successful, the PCN will be cancelled, and you won’t have to pay the fine.

What Are the New Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) Charges in 2025?

Starting from 7 April 2025, new Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) charges will be implemented across London, including the London Borough of Lewisham.

These changes follow the approval by the Mayor of London on 5 February 2025, in response to a proposal from London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee (TEC) to increase fines for parking and traffic violations.

The new PCN charges are categorised under Band A and Band B, which determine the penalty amount based on the severity of the offence and the location. The charges are also applied differently to bus lane and moving traffic violations.

New PCN Charges in Lewisham from 7 April 2025

Penalty Charge Levels	Band A (Higher)	Band A (Lower)	Band B (Higher)	Band B (Lower)
Actual Fine	£160	£110	£140	£90
Discounted Fine (If paid within 14 days)	£80	£55	£70	£45

Bus Lane and Moving Traffic Contraventions

For bus lane violations and moving traffic offences, the penalty charge will be:

£160 (full fine)
£80 (if paid within 14 days)

Why Are PCN Charges Increasing?

The increase in PCN charges aims to:

Encourage compliance with parking and traffic rules by deterring unlawful behaviour
Improve road safety and traffic flow in high-congestion areas
Ensure fairness and consistency in penalty charges across all London boroughs

The new fines apply to various parking, bus lane, and moving traffic contraventions enforced by Lewisham Council.

How to Contact Lewisham Parking Services for PCN Appeals or Queries

If you have received a PCN in Lewisham and need assistance regarding payment or appeals, you can contact the Lewisham Parking Services Team through the following channels:

Email: lewishamparkingappeals@nslservices.co.uk
Telephone: 020 8787 5397

It is important to check the details on your PCN and act within the required timeframes to avoid additional penalties

What Are the Deadlines for a Lewisham PCN Appeal?

Meeting the deadlines for a Lewisham PCN appeal is crucial to avoid escalating fines and potential legal consequences.

If you miss the necessary timeframes, you may lose the opportunity to challenge the penalty charge.

Paying or making an informal appeal must be done within 14 days from the date the PCN was issued if you want to benefit from the 50% early payment discount. If the PCN is not paid or appealed within this time, the fine increases to its full amount.
Formal representations must be submitted within 28 days after receiving the Notice to Owner (NTO). This step applies when the informal challenge has been rejected or if no informal challenge was made. Failing to respond within this time can lead to a Charge Certificate, increasing the fine by 50%.
If a formal representation is rejected, you have 28 days to take the case to the London Tribunals, where an independent adjudicator will review your appeal.
If no action is taken after a rejected appeal, a Charge Certificate is issued, giving you 14 days to pay before further enforcement steps are taken.
If the fine remains unpaid, the council can apply for a court order to recover the debt, which may involve bailiff enforcement.

To avoid these consequences, always check the PCN issue date and respond as early as possible. Keeping track of deadlines ensures you maintain the right to challenge the fine.

What Forms Are Required for a Lewisham PCN Challenge?

Different stages of the PCN appeal process require different forms. Ensuring you submit the correct documentation with all required details will improve your chances of a successful appeal.

Informal Challenge: No specific form is required at this stage. You can submit an appeal online through the Lewisham Council website, via email, or in writing. Providing clear reasons for the challenge and supporting evidence can strengthen your case.
Formal Representation: If an informal challenge is rejected or no challenge is made, you will receive a Notice to Owner (NTO). This document includes a formal representation form, which must be completed and submitted within 28 days.
Appeal to the London Tribunals: If your formal representation is unsuccessful, you can appeal to the London Tribunals by completing the Notice of Appeal form included in the rejection notice. This form must be submitted within 28 days, along with supporting evidence.

When filling out any form, ensure you provide:

The PCN reference number
Your vehicle registration number
A detailed explanation of your appeal
Evidence such as photographs, receipts, or witness statements

Missing details or incomplete forms may result in automatic rejection, so double-check all information before submission.

What Happens If My Lewisham PCN Appeal Is Rejected?

If your appeal is unsuccessful at any stage, you still have several options to consider.

Pay the fine within the specified deadline. If your informal appeal was rejected but you are still within the discounted 14-day period, you can settle the fine at a lower rate.
Escalate the case to the London Tribunals. If a formal representation is rejected, you can appeal to an independent adjudicator for a final decision. The tribunal process is free, and the appeal can be made online or via post.
Seek legal advice if you believe the PCN was issued unlawfully or if there were procedural errors. Some motorists successfully challenge unfair PCNs with legal guidance.

Ignoring a rejected appeal can lead to:

A Charge Certificate increasing the fine by 50%
A court order for debt recovery
Bailiff enforcement and additional fees

It is important to take action as soon as you receive a rejection notice to avoid further complications.

Can I Appeal a Lewisham PCN After the Payment Deadline?

Appealing after the deadline is challenging, but in certain circumstances, the council may accept a late appeal request.

Valid reasons for submitting a late appeal include:

Serious health issues that prevented a timely response
Postal delays or errors in notice delivery, especially if you never received the Notice to Owner
Incorrect details on the PCN, such as an incorrect vehicle registration number or an inaccurate description of the violation

In most cases, late appeals are only considered if exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated with supporting evidence.

If the council refuses to accept a late appeal, you may still have the option to dispute the fine through London Tribunals, but you must provide valid reasons for the delay.

What Evidence Do I Need for a Successful Lewisham PCN Appeal?

Strong evidence is essential when challenging a PCN, as a lack of supporting documents often leads to rejection. Useful evidence includes:

Photographs showing missing, damaged, or unclear road signs and markings
Dashcam footage proving no violation occurred
Witness statements from passengers or other individuals who can confirm your case
Receipts, permits, or parking tickets that verify legal parking rights
Medical or emergency records if you had an urgent situation that prevented compliance with parking rules

Gathering as much relevant evidence as possible improves your chances of a successful appeal. Submitting clear and detailed explanations alongside your evidence also strengthens your case.

How Long Does It Take for a Lewisham PCN Appeal Decision?

The time it takes for an appeal decision depends on the stage of the process.

Informal challenges are typically reviewed within 14 to 28 days.
Formal representations take up to 56 days for a response. If the council does not respond within this timeframe, the appeal is usually considered successful, and the PCN is cancelled.
London Tribunals appeals may take several weeks, depending on case complexity and tribunal scheduling.

While waiting for a response, do not ignore any correspondence from the council. If you receive a Charge Certificate while waiting for an appeal decision, contact the council immediately to clarify the situation.

Can I Challenge a PCN Issued by CCTV in Lewisham?

Yes, PCNs issued through CCTV enforcement can be appealed in the same way as those issued by traffic wardens.

However, challenging a CCTV-issued PCN requires careful examination of the camera footage and road signage.

To appeal successfully:

Request a copy of the CCTV evidence to verify the alleged contravention.
Check if the traffic signs and road markings are clear and legally compliant.
Ensure the PCN details are accurate, including the date, time, and location of the offense.

If the evidence does not clearly show a violation or if there were technical errors, you may have valid grounds to challenge the PCN.

What Are My Options If I Lose a Lewisham PCN Appeal?

If all stages of appeal are unsuccessful, you still have some options:

Pay the fine before additional penalties are added. If a tribunal rejects your appeal, you will have a set time to pay the original fine amount before further action is taken.
Seek independent legal advice if you believe the decision was unfair. Some motorists successfully challenge PCNs through legal representation.
Check for procedural errors in how your case was handled. If the council failed to follow proper procedures or did not respond within the required timeframes, you might have grounds for further challenge.

Ignoring a PCN at this stage is not recommended, as it can lead to enforcement action, including the involvement of bailiffs. If you have exhausted all appeal options, settling the fine as soon as possible is usually the best course of action.