West sussex county council - code 47 - stopped on a bus stop - PCN with incorrect VRM

Hi, I have just received a windscreen PCN from one of the council parking enforcers - I know these you can't appeal so was going to pay it. But I noticed the registration on the PCN is incorrect! Does this mean I can safely ignore it? Don't they take a photo of the car though?

First check the registration on the DVLA to see whether the vehicle exists.
If it doesn't you can safely ignore the PCN


If the vehicle does exist you can  either:

a) Do nothing, in which case the council will send the Notice to Owner to the registered keeper of the reg no. assuming that  the reg no. on the pcn actually exists. This means that the true owner will have the aggravation of trying to sort it out

b) (Recommended. The council's mistake has handed you a get-out-of jail-free card, so it's only right that you don't land the unsuspecting owner in a pile of trouble not of his making)
Write to the council enclosing a copy explaining that you found this pcn on your vehicle but the vrm on the pcn does not relate to any vehicle that you own.

The council will realise their mistake and cancel the pcn. (they cannot re-issue a corrected pcn). This means that the reg keeper will not have to deal with a pcn which they know nothing about and of which they are entirely innocent.


Make sure you keep the pcn safe (just in case the council try to issue a corrected NtO.)

Hi Thanks for your reply. I did check the incorrect VRM is an actual car, and I am happy sorting it out as long as it means they won't turn around and give me a corrected PCN...

I have just received a windscreen PCN from one of the council parking enforcers - I know these you can't appeal

Err, you can always 'appeal'* a windscreen PCN.
*Or to be more accurate, one can always
make an informal challenge, and if that is unsuccessful,
make representations against the NtO (Notice to Owner) and if these are unsuccessful,
make an appeal to the Tribunal which may be successful.

Of course, some PCNs are issued correctly, and the Council has a watertight case,
but you would be surprised at how often the Council makes a mistake, either in interpreting the relevant legislation or in the 'small print' of the PCN, which leads to cancellation of a PCN.

No they can't reissue. What is the error in the VRM?

I would use email to the parking dept - just say for your records I found PCN no xxxxx on my car but the VRM isn't my car.

Thank you for confirming . The error was an incorrect letter.

Got a response to my email saying it's not my car. They say "I noted what you have said in your correspondence and confirm that the case will simply continue to progress through the legislative process?!" So they're going to contact the innocent party now?

Rest assured that it is mandatory for a regulation 9 PCN served on vehicle or handed to driver to have the registration mark of the vehicle involved in the alleged contravention.

What is the right and wrong letter?

Just keep the PCN safe but it is unlikely you'll hear any more and you did your bit.

Their reply is unacceptable IMO.

Get online and check the council's photos and post here pl.

What make is the car with the VRM on the PCN?

What did you send to the council?