Free Traffic Legal Advice

Was thinking of using suggestion by Hero Member posted on another thread:

"I make these collateral challenges against the PCN in terms of its invalidity:

1. Under If you do nothing the PCN wrongly states which action triggers the period in which the council may serve a charge certificate: “If the Penalty Charge is not paid before the end of the period of 28 days beginning with the date of service of this notice an increased charge of £240.00 maybe payable. We may then send you a Charge Certificate.” The law states at Schedule 1 5:

1)Where a penalty charge notice is served on any person and the penalty charge to which it relates is not paid before the end of the relevant period, the enforcing authority may serve on that person a statement (in this paragraph referred to as a “charge certificate”) to the effect that the penalty charge in question is increased by 50 per cent.

(2)The relevant period, in relation to a penalty charge notice is the period of 28 days beginning—

(a)where no representations are made under paragraph 1 above, with the date on which the penalty charge notice is served;

2. The PCN also fails to include mandatory information as provided at  Para. 4 (8 ) (v) of

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukla/2003/3/section/4/enacted

(v)that, if the penalty charge is not paid before the end of the 28 day period, an increased charge may be payable.

Clearly, this refers to Para. 4 (8 ) (iii):

(iii)that the penalty charge must be paid before the end of the period of 28 days beginning with the date of the notice;

In light of the above, please cancel the PCN."

Wow, thanks for your reply Hippocrates!

I would just attach a pdf. and screenshot the page as no grounds are available before you do so. The lack of grounds is an issue for later.

Is that a pdf of the ETA Register of Appeals Case Details reference 2250221909 that I should attach?

Not sure what to screenshot, maybe the Hounslow PCN site under 'Make a Representation' tab when I've entered all the required information before submitting?

pdf of the representations only. I wouldn't mention the case.  In the box: contravention did not occur as the pcn is invalid. please see attached file.

Am wondering if the The "Date of Notice" vs. "Date of Service" Flaw could be used:


The PCN states: "If we receive payment before the end of 14 days beginning with the date of the notice, the amount of the Penalty Charge will be reduced to £80.00." (The date of notice is 27/11/2025).


Legally, a postal PCN is deemed served on the second working day after the date of the notice. The discounted payment period is generally considered to run from the date of service.


The Flaw: If the PCN fails to correctly state that the statutory period runs from the date of service, or if it implies a false deadline based on the date of notice, it can be argued that it is not compliant with the regulations and therefore invalid.


Google suggests case law on this point has become very strict, and many adjudicators now accept the wording on this PCN as compliant, as long as it correctly states the days (14 and 28 days).

Would be grateful if you could cast your eye over this before I submit it, thanks.