Free bus lane, ULEZ and congestion charge appeal letter template
Use this letter to make formal representations against a council-issued penalty charge notice for a bus lane, box junction or other moving traffic contravention, or a ULEZ / congestion charge penalty. Formal representations pause enforcement and, in London, keep the discount alive.
Who this letter is for
Challenge a council traffic PCN — bus lane, moving traffic, ULEZ or congestion charge. It is written in the formal register companies, landlords and card issuers expect, and it records the facts, the remedy sought and the deadline in a way that supports any later escalation to an ombudsman or the courts.
How to use this template
- 1Check the PCN for errors in the date, location, contravention code or vehicle details.
- 2Download the template and make formal representations before the discount period ends.
- 3State your ground: the contravention did not occur, signage was inadequate, or payment was made.
- 4Attach photographs, payment receipts or vehicle compliance evidence.
- 5If rejected, appeal free to London Tribunals or the Traffic Penalty Tribunal.
What to include before you send it
- Check the PCN for errors — wrong date, location, contravention code or registration can end it.
- Make formal representations before the discount period ends to preserve the 50% rate.
- If rejected, appeal to the independent tribunal — it is free and decisions are binding on the council.
The rights you are relying on
Traffic Management Act 2004 and the Civil Enforcement of Parking Contraventions regulations; rejected representations can be appealed free to London Tribunals or the Traffic Penalty Tribunal.
The letter template
[Your name] [Your address] [Email address] · [Phone number] [Date] [Council / authority name] [Address] Re: Formal representations against PCN [NUMBER] — vehicle [REGISTRATION], issued [DATE] at [LOCATION] Dear Sir or Madam, I make formal representations against the above penalty charge notice for the alleged contravention of [bus lane / box junction / banned turn / ULEZ / congestion charge] at [LOCATION] on [DATE] at [TIME]. My grounds are: [State your ground clearly, for example: - the alleged contravention did not occur — [explain, e.g. I did not enter the bus lane / my vehicle is exempt or compliant and proof is enclosed / the charge was paid on [DATE], receipt enclosed]; - the relevant signage or road markings were [missing / obscured / inadequate]; photographs are enclosed; - the PCN contains procedural errors: [wrong date / location / contravention code / vehicle details]; - there were mitigating circumstances: [briefly explain, e.g. a medical emergency / a diversion directed by police].] I enclose [photographs / payment receipt / compliance evidence / witness statement]. I ask that you cancel the PCN and confirm in writing. If you reject these representations, please issue a Notice of Rejection together with the appeal form so that I may refer the matter to [London Tribunals / the Traffic Penalty Tribunal] for independent adjudication. Yours faithfully, [Your name] Enclosures: evidence as listed above.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I lose the discount if I appeal a council PCN?
- If you make representations within the discount period (usually 14 days), most councils re-offer the discount if they reject you, and London authorities must. Tribunal appeals do not increase the penalty.
- Is a tribunal appeal free?
- Yes. Appeals to London Tribunals and the Traffic Penalty Tribunal are free, can be decided in writing, and the adjudicator's decision is binding on the council.
Turn this example into your own formal letter
The £0.59 option creates one formal letter using your names, dates, sums and evidence. The £3.99 Case File also includes an email, evidence checklist, action plan and follow-up notice.
Or read more about our personalised appeal letter.
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