Council: London Borough of Hackney
Contravention: Code 12 – Parked without a valid voucher or pay and display ticket
Location: Garden Walk (Google Maps:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/AobxoxfVYp3YycBy9)
Background:
Parked up and called the RingGo phone number, and was automatically geolocated but didn't check to confirm. I believed it was accurate - this was the first time I used the RingGo phone call, so I trusted that it was accurate.
I returned to find a PCN on my windscreen. I submitted an informal challenge via the portal, attaching my RingGo payment receipt and asking the council to exercise their discretion. Unsurprisingly, Hackney rejected it, stating it remains the driver's responsibility to confirm the correct zone.
I received the rejection letter and it is dated 29/06/2026, but it only just arrived in my post this week 22/07/2026— a full three weeks late. Because of this I do not have the option to pay the discounted rate. Now Hackney wants me to pay £160, for what would have been ~£3.50.
I am a new driver, unemployed, and studying on an NHS bursary so I genuinely cannot afford £160.
I also read online that the Civil Enforcement Office is supposed to observe the car for 5 minutes, but the PCN only lists a 3-minute observation period. Do I have a case here?
What I need help with:
- Do I have any viable grounds to appeal to the independent adjudicator (London Tribunals) regarding RingGo's poor geolocation?
- The 3-week postal delay that robbed me of the reduced rate?
- The 3-minute observation period?
Any guidance on how to navigate the next stages of the appeal process would be massively appreciated!





