PCN code 25: meaning and how to appeal
Higher levelOn-street parking
Official description: “Parked in a loading place or bay during restricted hours without loading”
What it means
You parked in an on-street loading bay during its hours of operation and the officer did not see loading or unloading taking place.
How much is a code 25 PCN?
Code 25 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 25 PCN
- Loading or unloading was going on continuously (for example carrying goods into a shop, getting a signature, waiting for goods to be brought out).
- The goods were heavy or bulky enough to need the vehicle close by.
- The bay was outside its restricted hours, or the signs were missing or wrong.
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
- Delivery notes, invoices and timed receipts.
- A statement from the person you delivered to or collected from.
- Ask the council for the officer's photos and notes (or the camera footage) and check they match the PCN.
Code 25 suffixes
The letter after the code shows the type of bay, vehicle or enforcement. Suffixes that apply to code 25:
| Suffix | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 25N | red route |
| 252 | goods vehicle loading 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 25 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 25 mean?
Code 25 is “Parked in a loading place or bay during restricted hours without loading”. In plain English: You parked in an on-street loading bay during its hours of operation and the officer did not see loading or unloading taking place.
How much is a code 25 PCN?
Code 25 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 25 PCN?
Yes. Common grounds include: Loading or unloading was going on continuously (for example carrying goods into a shop, getting a signature, waiting for goods to be brought out). The goods were heavy or bulky enough to need the vehicle close by. The bay was outside its restricted hours, or the signs were missing or wrong.
How long do I have to challenge a code 25 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)