Council Fine CheckWhat Lambeth enforces
- Parking
- Enforces
- Bus lanes / gates
- Enforces
- Moving traffic
- Enforces
- Penalty level
- Band A in the north of the borough, Band B elsewhere (London Councils)
- Appeals
- London Tribunals (free)
About Lambeth PCNs
Lambeth issues PCNs for parking and for traffic rules, including driving in bus lanes and moving traffic contraventions. Its PCN numbers start with LJ followed by eight characters, which is a quick way to confirm a notice really comes from Lambeth rather than a scam text.
The council describes three stages. First, an informal challenge, which is only available for a PCN left on the vehicle or a bus lane PCN, and must be made within 28 days of issue; Lambeth says that if your informal challenge arrives within the first 14 days and is unsuccessful, you will still be offered the discounted rate, but after 14 days the full amount applies. There is no informal stage for moving traffic or other postal PCNs. Second, formal representations, which you can only make after receiving a Notice to Owner or an Enforcement Notice; Lambeth notes it must respond within 56 days. Third, an appeal to the Environment and Traffic Adjudicators at London Tribunals using the form sent with the rejection.
Lambeth says an informal challenge can take up to 28 days to process. You can view the PCN and its photo evidence online before deciding, and the council asks you not to pay if you intend to challenge.
How to challenge a Lambeth PCN
- Check the deadline. A camera PCN sent by post gets a 50% discount if paid within 14 days; representations are normally due within 28 days of the notice being served.
- Make representations to the council using its online challenge form. Quote the PCN number and the grounds that apply.
- If rejected, appeal to London Tribunals within 28 days of the Notice of Rejection. The adjudicator is independent of Lambeth.
London penalty levels from 7 April 2025: Band A £160/£110, Band B £140/£90; bus lane and moving traffic £160 (London Councils).
Questions
Can I challenge a Lambeth moving traffic PCN informally?
No. Lambeth only accepts informal challenges for PCNs left on a vehicle and bus lane PCNs. For moving traffic and other postal PCNs, use the formal route.
Do I keep the discount if Lambeth rejects my informal challenge?
Lambeth says yes if you challenged within the first 14 days from the date of issue. If you challenged later, the full amount is due.
How long does Lambeth take to reply?
Up to 28 days for an informal challenge, the council says. For formal representations it must reply within 56 days.
Where do I appeal a Lambeth PCN if my challenge is rejected?
To London Tribunals, which is independent of the council. Appeals are free and must normally be made within 28 days of the Notice of Rejection.