Independent guide. Not affiliated with any council or TfL.
Council Fine Check

PCN code 30: Parked for longer than permitted

Staying longer than the maximum stay in a free limited-waiting bay.

Code
30
Type
On-street parking
Level
Lower level
Who uses it
On-street parking enforced by the council (and TfL on red routes).

What the council's evidence usually is

Two observations showing the vehicle stayed past the limit (often with valve positions noted).

Points to check before you pay

  • Check the observation times against the limit on the sign.
  • Did you leave and come back?

If one of these applies, the usual statutory ground is that the contravention did not occur. Other grounds (not the owner, stolen vehicle, already paid, wrong amount, procedural impropriety) apply whatever the code. The checker shows which fit your case.

How much is a code 30 PCN?

Outside London, councils charge lower level contraventions at £40 or £50 depending on their band, halved if paid early (SI 2022/71, Sch 3). In London it is £110 (Band A) or £90 (Band B) from 7 April 2025 (London Councils). Wales sets its own levels: check your PCN.

Questions

What does PCN code 30 mean?

Parked for longer than permitted. Staying longer than the maximum stay in a free limited-waiting bay.

Is code 30 a higher or lower level contravention?

It is a lower level parking contravention, so it is charged at the council's lower rate.

Can I challenge my code 30 PCN?

Free. Your answers stay on this device; nothing is sent to us.

Who issued it?
What is it for?
What is the latest letter you have?

Deadlines are counted from when the notice is served. We count from the date printed on it, which is the safe (earliest) choice.

Does any of this apply?

Tick everything that fits, or skip.

Get a ready-to-send challenge letter

Built from your checker answers, quoting the statutory grounds that fit. You see the letter before you pay, then send it yourself.

£5.99 representation letter

  • Informal challenge or formal representations
  • Grounds and regulation numbers filled in
  • Word, PDF or copy into the council's form
Start my letter, £5.99

£14.99 full pack

  • Everything in the letter, plus the tribunal appeal statement
  • Charge Certificate and Order for Recovery replies, witness statement wording
  • Bailiff fee check letter
Get the full pack, £14.99

One PCN per purchase, letters available for 6 months. Full refund within 14 days if you haven't downloaded a letter. See samples and details.

Letter templates you send yourself. Not legal advice; we never contact councils for you.

Sources

Last checked: 13 November 2026

Something changed? Tell us and we'll re-check it.

Check my fine free Get a letter