72% of parking fine appeals in London are successful – according to figures released by the Freight Transport Association.

The Association surveyed its members to gather information on issues such as parking fine hot spots, CCTV and Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) appeals.

Fifteen companies provided data about 32,633 parking fines they had received over a 12-month period. Of those appealed by the Association’s PCN Administration Service, almost three quarters were successful.

Natalie Chapman, FTA’s Head of Policy for London said, “The results of the survey show the benefit to members of using our PCN Administration Service.  Our knowledge and expertise can help them make huge savings on their expenditure on parking fines, as well as cutting down on administration costs.”

High streets were identified as the main hotspot for the issuing of PCNs, with the London Borough of Bromley topping the list. The most frequent reason for a ticket being issued was ‘stopped where prohibited’ – parking on a red route or clearway. Almost 36% of tickets were issued for this reason, with a further 33% handed out for parking or loading where restrictions are in force.

Natalie added, “Loading and unloading is an exemption to restricted street regulations – it’s allowed on single or double yellow lines for a maximum of 40 minutes. Often PCNs are issued incorrectly because the enforcement officer needs more training and doesn’t realise what’s permitted.”


Photo: PCNs are frequently issued for vehicles that are loading or unloading, despite them being exempt from restricted street regulations.