Penalty charge notices

Issue criteria

Before a penalty charge notice (PCN) is issued, the civil enforcement officer must consider whether the PCN can be enforced. This will include:

  • Checking that all markings, signs and plates in the area of the alleged contravention are clear and visible to the motorist
  • Checking that pay and display machines are fully operational and showing the correct time on display
  • Checking for visible evidence of the vehicle having broken down
  • Checking for any special permits (blue disabled badges, resident parking permits, carers badge etc) that would grant the motorist exemption from the restrictions in place.

Issue and serving of notices

A penalty charge notice may be issued at the time the Parking CEO believes the motorist to be in breach of parking restrictions imposed for both off-street and on-street parking.

Recent changes to the regulations mean that Shropshire Parking Service will be able to issue a PCN by post when camera evidence is available, or when a CEO is prevented from serving a PCN by threat or actual violence, or to motorists who regularly contravene the rules but simply drive away when they see a CEO.

In all other circumstances the PCN will be fixed to the vehicle or handed to the driver if a driver is present. The PCN will contain information relating to the following:

  • Issuing authority details
  • Powers by which PCN is issued
  • Unique PCN number
  • Date served
  • Date and time of the alleged contravention
  • Vehicle registration mark
  • Make and colour of the vehicle
  • Vehicle tax disc serial number and expiry date
  • Location of the vehicle
  • Details of alleged contravention and contravention code
  • CEO’s identity number
  • Details of penalty payable
  • Instructions on how and where to pay
  • Instructions on how and when an enquiry and/or challenge against the issue of the penalty may be made
  • Instructions on where and how to get more information on Shropshire Parking Service.

An example of the front face of a PCN is shown in Appendix A.