Both are often called a PCN, but they are different things with different rules.
| Private parking charge notice | Council penalty charge notice | |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by | A parking company on private land | A local authority on the street or in a council car park |
| Legal basis | A claim that you broke a contract or trespassed | A statutory penalty under traffic law |
| Typical places | Retail parks, hospitals, stations, housing estates | Roads, council car parks, bus lanes |
| Who decides appeals | The company first, then POPLA or IAS | The council first, then a tribunal |
| Can bailiffs be sent straight away? | No, it needs a court judgment first | Only after the council process, including a Charge Certificate and registered debt |
| Keeper liability | England and Wales only, under POFA 2012 Schedule 4 | Registered keeper or owner is the person the council writes to |
How to tell
- The wording on a council notice says "Penalty Charge Notice" and cites a contravention code.
- A private notice says "Parking Charge Notice" or "Parking Charge", and names a company and a charge.
- Look at where you were. Land owned by a shop, hospital or landlord is normally private. A road or council car park is normally the council's.
What next
- Private: how to appeal a parking charge notice.
- Council: how to challenge a council PCN.
- Still unsure? Use the ticket checker.