Parking

Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) are issued when a driver parks a vehicle in contravention of the regulations.

If you receive a PCN, it will include a description of the contravention.

How to appeal against a PCN

If you think you have grounds for appeal, you should write to the address at the foot of this page within 14 days.  Alternatively, you can complete the online form to make an appeal (first appeals only).

The council will review your case and advise you whether the PCN will be enforced. If this is the case and your appeal was received within 14 days of the date of issue, a further 14 days will be allowed for you to pay the PCN at the discounted rate.

If the PCN is not cancelled and remains unpaid, the registered owner of the vehicle involved will be sent a Notice to Owner after 28 days. This will give further details of the council's appeal process.

The council's Representation Section will consider each case on its own merits. Appeals must be genuine and supported by reasonable evidence. If your appeal is unsuccessful, you will have to pay the PCN at the full rate.

If the council rejects your appeal, you will still have the opportunity to appeal to an independent adjudicator, the Traffic Penalty Tribunal. Details of how to do this will be provided with the letter rejecting the appeal.

Paying a PCN

The PCN must be paid within 28 days of the date on which it is served. If payment is received within 14 days, a reduced sum of £35 or £25 will be accepted, depending on the severity of the contravention.

You can make payment by post, using the yellow envelope provided, or in person at the address at the foot of this page.

Medway Council accepts payment by credit or debit card, postal order, cash and cheque. Please make all cheques payable to Medway Council. The PCN number on the parking ticket must be quoted when making payment. You can also pay by credit or debit card using our online payments facility.

Tips on how to avoid getting a penalty charge notice

• When purchasing a ticket on street or in a car park, always make sure you buy enough time to get the shopping done or have your meeting and get back to the car.
• Make sure you display your parking ticket the correct side up.
• Don’t park on double yellow lines unless you are loading or unloading. Civil Enforcement Officers will observe vehicles to ensure that loading or unloading is evident.
• Do not park on single yellow lines during restricted hours unless you are loading or unloading. There should be a sign nearby which tells you when the restriction is in force.
• Park wholly within a marked bay. Taking up more than one bay is frustrating for other drivers trying to find a space and will result in receiving a penalty charge.
• Keep some loose change to purchase a pay and display ticket. Don’t risk going for change and leaving your car in a pay and display area without displaying a valid ticket.
• Do not park in bays designated for other users such as bus stops, taxi ranks or disabled bays.
• If you’re a blue badge holder, please ensure that your badge is displayed photograph down so that the expiry date can easily be seen and set the clock at your arrival time. Disabled drivers should also not park in areas designated for other users.

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