PCN code 16: meaning and how to appeal
Higher levelOn-street parking
Official description: “Parked in a permit space or zone without a valid virtual permit or clearly displaying a valid physical permit where required”
What it means
You parked in a permit-only space (for example a business, doctor's or car club bay, or a permit zone) without a valid permit.
How much is a code 16 PCN?
Code 16 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 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 16 PCN
- You had a valid permit for that bay or zone, physical or virtual.
- The permit was displayed but not visible from outside, or had slipped (send it).
- The signs did not make clear the bay was permit-only, or it was outside the restricted hours.
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
- Permit details and a photo of how it was displayed.
- Clear, dated photos of the vehicle position, road markings and every nearby sign or time plate (take them as soon as possible).
Code 16 suffixes
The letter after the code shows the type of bay, vehicle or enforcement. Suffixes that apply to code 16:
| Suffix | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 16A | permit-holder-only EV charging bay |
| 16B | business bay |
| 16D | doctor's bay |
| 16E | car club bay |
| 16H | hospital bay |
| 16Q | market traders' bay |
| 16S | shared use bay |
| 16T | voucher/P&D ticket used in permit bay |
| 16W | wrong parking zone |
| 16X | incorrect VRM (number plate) on permit |
| 16Y | obscured / illegible permit |
| 16Z | out-of-date permit |
| 164 | virtual permit |
| 165 | dedicated disabled bay |
| 166 | hotel bay |
| 169 | electric vehicle car club bay |
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 16 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
Residents' / shared bay without permit or paymentCode 19
Residents'/shared bay with invalid permit or expired timeCode 85
Council car park: no valid permit
Frequently asked questions
What does PCN code 16 mean?
Code 16 is “Parked in a permit space or zone without a valid virtual permit or clearly displaying a valid physical permit where required”. In plain English: You parked in a permit-only space (for example a business, doctor's or car club bay, or a permit zone) without a valid permit.
How much is a code 16 PCN?
Code 16 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 16 PCN?
Yes. Common grounds include: You had a valid permit for that bay or zone, physical or virtual. The permit was displayed but not visible from outside, or had slipped (send it). The signs did not make clear the bay was permit-only, or it was outside the restricted hours.
How long do I have to challenge a code 16 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)