PCN code 21: meaning and how to appeal
Higher levelOn-street parking
Official description: “Parked wholly or partly in a suspended bay or space”
What it means
The bay had been temporarily suspended (for example for building works, removals or filming) and you parked in it while the suspension was in force.
How much is a code 21 PCN?
Code 21 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 |
On TfL red routes (suffix n) the penalty is £160, or £80 if paid within 14 days.
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 21 PCN
- The suspension signs were not displayed, were not visible from where you parked, or did not cover your part of the bay.
- You parked before the suspension signs were put up or before the suspension started (check the dates and times on the sign).
- The suspension was for your own use (you held the dispensation) or covered your vehicle.
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
- Photos showing where the suspension notices were (or were not).
- Proof of when you parked (receipts, dash-cam, witnesses).
- Ask the council for the officer's photos and notes (or the camera footage) and check they match the PCN.
Code 21 suffixes
The letter after the code shows the type of bay, vehicle or enforcement. Suffixes that apply to code 21:
| Suffix | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 21A | permit-holder-only EV charging bay |
| 21B | business bay |
| 21C | buses only |
| 21D | doctor's bay |
| 21E | car club bay |
| 21F | free parking bay |
| 21G | motorcycle bay |
| 21H | hospital bay |
| 21L | loading place |
| 21M | parking meter |
| 21N | red route |
| 21P | pay & display |
| 21Q | market traders' bay |
| 21R | residents' bay |
| 21S | shared use bay |
| 21U | electronic (phone/app) payment |
| 21V | voucher |
| 21X | disabled bay |
| 21Y | electric solo motorcycle bay |
| 211 | electric vehicles bay |
| 212 | goods vehicle loading bay |
| 215 | dedicated disabled bay |
| 216 | hotel bay |
| 217 | taxis only |
| 218 | zero emission capable taxis only |
| 219 | 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 21 appeal letter for free. Pick your grounds, add your facts, then copy, download or print.
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Related codes
Frequently asked questions
What does PCN code 21 mean?
Code 21 is “Parked wholly or partly in a suspended bay or space”. In plain English: The bay had been temporarily suspended (for example for building works, removals or filming) and you parked in it while the suspension was in force.
How much is a code 21 PCN?
Code 21 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 21 PCN?
Yes. Common grounds include: The suspension signs were not displayed, were not visible from where you parked, or did not cover your part of the bay. You parked before the suspension signs were put up or before the suspension started (check the dates and times on the sign). The suspension was for your own use (you held the dispensation) or covered your vehicle.
How long do I have to challenge a code 21 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)