Hi All,
I received a PCN for driving through Birmingham's Clean Air Zone in January 2026. In all honesty, I didn't know anything about it. I drove in on 28/01/26 and out on the 29/01/26. I have only received a PCN for the 28/01/26 and they can't find any records for a pending PCN on 29/01/26. I do not live inn the area, and I have no idea about the clean air zone. If I'm honest I didn't really take in the signs either, I was more than focused on my sat nav directing me to my hotel. I appealed saying I'm not from the area, and I didn't realise I had to pay. I didn't realise there was also a 6 day expiry window to pay. The council rejected the appeal stating that the signs are in place to instruct drivers. Apparently the signs just say clean air zone, pay online. No web address, no process to follow. My car is supposed to be ow on emissions as well, so it's a right kick in the teeth. I was away on a training course for work and would have paid the £8 if I had known as I could have claimed that back through expenses, but I just didn't know. It looks like I also misread the PCN, because I thought if you appealed then your 14 day window for a reduced rate would be halted until the outcome. The charge is now £120. £120 for something I am clueless on, this doesn't seem fair. I offered to pay the £8 as it was my first time in the city and the CAZ. I'm on a trainees salary at work and can't afford to willy nilly pay £120 out. What are my options? If I go to the tribunal will they add a charge on for that? If my appeal gets rejected can I offer to pay in instalments (I really don't want to). I have since gone on google maps at the location stated, and I can't see any signs?
