Council Fine CheckCouncil PCN deadlines run from the date a notice is served, and the law counts periods "beginning with" that date, so the date itself is day 1. A posted notice reaches you after the date printed on it, so counting from the printed date is the safe choice.
| Step | Time limit | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 50% discount, PCN on the windscreen or handed over | 14 days | SI 2022/71 reg 2; London Councils |
| 50% discount, camera PCN sent by post | 21 days (some London boroughs say 14: check your PCN) | SI 2022/71 reg 2; DfT guidance; London Councils |
| Camera PCN must be served | Within 28 days of the contravention (up to 6 months if the council asked the DVLA within 14 days and got no reply) | SI 2022/71 reg 10(6)-(8) |
| Notice to Owner after an unpaid windscreen PCN | After 28 days; no later than 6 months | SI 2022/71 reg 20 |
| Formal representations | 28 days from service of the Notice to Owner or postal PCN (later ones may be disregarded) | SI 2022/576 regs 3, 6 |
| Council's decision on representations (England) | 56 days from receiving them, or they are treated as accepted | SI 2022/576 reg 6 |
| Appeal to the tribunal | 28 days from service of the Notice of Rejection (longer if the adjudicator allows) | SI 2022/576 reg 7; LLA&TfL Act 2003 Sch 1 para 4 |
| Charge Certificate (+50%) | Can be served if unpaid 28 days after the notice or rejection | SI 2022/71 reg 21 |
| County court registration | If the increased charge is unpaid 14 days after the Charge Certificate | SI 2022/71 reg 22 |
| Witness statement after an Order for Recovery | 21 days (apply for more time if late) | SI 2022/71 reg 23; CPR PD 75 |
| Bailiff notice of enforcement | At least 14 clear days before goods can be taken (28 if a debt adviser asks) | SI 2026/366 |
London bus lanes and moving traffic
These are not under the 2022 England regulations. Representations may be disregarded after 28 days from service of the PCN, the appeal deadline after rejection is 28 days, and a Charge Certificate adds 50% (LLA&TfL Act 2003, Sch 1). There is no 56-day deemed acceptance rule in that Act.
Wales
Welsh councils follow the 2013 Welsh regulations, with the same 28-day periods for representations and appeals. One difference: if a council rejects representations about a PCN served by post, it must allow the discount for a further 21 days from the rejection (SI 2013/359 reg 6(3)). Use the discount date printed on your PCN.
Put your own dates into the checker and it works out each deadline for you.