Got a Notice of Rejection?

A Notice of Rejection means the council has considered your formal representations and doesn't accept them. It isn't the end. You can now take the case to an independent adjudicator, for free.

Your two options

1. Pay the penalty. This is normally the full amount. Some councils re-offer the discount, but they don't have to.
2. Appeal to the tribunal within 28 days of the Notice of Rejection being served: London Tribunals for London, or the Traffic Penalty Tribunal for the rest of England (and Wales). The adjudicator can allow a late appeal if you give good reasons.

You can't do both. If you pay, the case is closed.

What the notice must contain

Under the 2022 regulations (reg 6(6) of SI 2022/576), the Notice of Rejection must:

• say a charge certificate may be served unless, within 28 days, you pay or appeal;
• explain the adjudicator's power to award costs; and
• describe how to appeal.

It should come with an appeal form or a verification code for the tribunal's online system. If it doesn't, ask the council for one and explain any delay in your appeal.

Should you appeal?

• Check whether the rejection actually answers your points. If the council ignored evidence or arguments, say so in your appeal.
• Look again at the statutory grounds. The adjudicator can only allow an appeal on those grounds.
• Appealing is free. Adjudicators can award costs only in limited circumstances, such as frivolous, vexatious or wholly unreasonable behaviour.
• Don't miss the 28 days. If you do nothing, a charge certificate adding 50% can follow.

Frequently asked questions

Official sources

• The Civil Enforcement of Road Traffic Contraventions (Representations and Appeals) (England) Regulations 2022 (SI 2022/576)
• London Tribunals: Preparing your appeal
• Traffic Penalty Tribunal (England outside London, and Wales)
• GOV.UK: Appeal against a penalty charge notice

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