PCN code 01: meaning and how to appeal
Higher levelOn-street parkingCan be camera-enforced
Official description: “Parked in a restricted street during prescribed hours”
What it means
You were parked on a single or double yellow line (a 'restricted street') while the waiting restriction was in force. Double yellow lines usually mean no waiting at any time; single yellow lines apply at the times shown on a nearby time plate or zone entry sign.
Suffix a on code 01 means a temporary traffic order; suffixes y/z on code 01 relate to Blue Badges (obscured / out of date).
How much is a code 01 PCN?
Code 01 is a higher-level contravention, so the amount depends on where you were:
| Area | Penalty | Paid early (50%) | After charge certificate (+50%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| London Band A | £160 | £80 | £240 |
| London Band B | £140 | £70 | £210 |
| Outside London (most councils, band 2) | £70 | £35 | £105 |
| Outside London (band 1 areas) | £60 | £30 | £90 |
Sources: London Councils (London amounts from 7 April 2025) and SI 2022/71 Schedule 3 (outside London). Full fines guide.
Deadlines
- PCN on the windscreen or handed to you: 50% discount if paid within 14 days. If you challenge within 14 days and are refused, councils are recommended to re-offer the discount. Full amount due within 28 days, after which a Notice to Owner can be sent.
- PCN sent by post after camera (CCTV) enforcement: 50% discount within 21 days, and 28 days to pay or make formal representations.
- PCN posted because you drove away or the officer was prevented from issuing it: 50% discount within 14 days, and 28 days to pay or make formal representations.
- Notice to Owner: 28 days to pay or make formal representations. The council must decide within 56 days or the representations are deemed accepted.
- Notice of Rejection: 28 days to appeal to the tribunal (free).
- Charge certificate: the penalty rises by 50%. Order for recovery: 21 days to pay or file a witness statement.
Common grounds to appeal a code 01 PCN
- You were loading or unloading goods (most traffic orders allow this on yellow lines unless there are loading 'blips' on the kerb) and the activity was continuous.
- Passengers were boarding or alighting, which traffic orders normally allow.
- You displayed a valid Blue Badge and clock where badge holders are allowed to park (in most of England up to 3 hours on yellow lines where there is no loading ban; central London boroughs run their own schemes).
- The lines were faded, broken, missing at the ends (no 'T' bar) or the time plate was missing, wrong or unreadable, so the restriction was not adequately signed.
- The single-yellow-line restriction was not in force at the time (check the time plate or controlled zone entry sign).
- You were stopped for reasons beyond your control (breakdown, accident, instruction by police).
Also check the PCN itself: are the date, time, location, vehicle and code correct, and was it served on time? Errors can support the statutory grounds, such as procedural impropriety or 'the contravention did not occur'.
Evidence to gather
- Clear, dated photos of the vehicle position, road markings and every nearby sign or time plate (take them as soon as possible).
- Delivery notes, invoices or receipts showing what was loaded and when.
- A photo of your Blue Badge and clock as displayed.
- Breakdown or recovery paperwork.
- Ask the council for the officer's photos and notes (or the camera footage) and check they match the PCN.
Code 01 suffixes
The letter after the code shows the type of bay, vehicle or enforcement. Suffixes that apply to code 01:
| Suffix | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 01A | temporary traffic order |
| 01J | camera (CCTV) enforcement |
| 01O | blue badge holder |
| 01Y | Blue Badge obscured / illegible |
| 01Z | Blue Badge out of date |
How to appeal
- Informal challenge if the PCN was put on your vehicle (ideally within 14 days).
- Formal representations within 28 days of the Notice to Owner or postal PCN.
- If rejected, appeal to the tribunal within 28 days.
Write your code 01 appeal letter for free. Pick your grounds, add your facts, then copy, download or print.
Generate a letterHire or lease company? See how to transfer liability to the hirer.
Related codes
Parked where loading is bannedCode 25
In a loading bay without loadingCode 62
Pavement (footway) parkingCode 40
Disabled bay without a valid Blue Badge
Frequently asked questions
What does PCN code 01 mean?
Code 01 is “Parked in a restricted street during prescribed hours”. In plain English: You were parked on a single or double yellow line (a 'restricted street') while the waiting restriction was in force. Double yellow lines usually mean no waiting at any time; single yellow lines apply at the times shown on a nearby time plate or zone entry sign.
How much is a code 01 PCN?
Code 01 is higher level: £160 in London Band A, £140 in Band B, and usually £70 outside London, halved if paid early.
Can I appeal a code 01 PCN?
Yes. Common grounds include: You were loading or unloading goods (most traffic orders allow this on yellow lines unless there are loading 'blips' on the kerb) and the activity was continuous. Passengers were boarding or alighting, which traffic orders normally allow. You displayed a valid Blue Badge and clock where badge holders are allowed to park (in most of England up to 3 hours on yellow lines where there is no loading ban; central London boroughs run their own schemes).
How long do I have to challenge a code 01 PCN?
Challenge within 14 days to protect the discount where possible. Formal representations must be made within 28 days of the Notice to Owner or postal PCN, and a tribunal appeal within 28 days of a Notice of Rejection.
Official sources
- London Councils: Penalty Charge Notices contravention code list (v7.0)
- PATROL / Traffic Penalty Tribunal: Contravention codes (England and Wales)
- London Councils: Parking and traffic charges in London
- SI 2022/71 Schedule 3: penalty charge bands outside Greater London
- SI 2022/576 regulation 5: grounds for representations
- DfT statutory guidance: civil enforcement of parking contraventions (updated 20 Oct 2022)