PCN vs Parking Charge Notice — What’s the Difference?
A Penalty Charge Notice is an official fine issued by councils or TfL and enforced under UK law. A Parking Charge Notice is a private invoice issued by parking companies for alleged contract breaches. PCNs are legally enforceable; private parking charges are not fines and follow civil debt rules.
Private Parking Companies
Millions of drivers in the UK receive a “PCN” every year — but most people don’t realise that two completely different types of “PCNs” exist, and they are not equal in law.
This confusion isn’t accidental. Private parking companies intentionally design their tickets to look like official penalties. This page explains the key differences, the legal frameworks, what to watch out for, and how to quickly identify which type of ticket you have.
What Is a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)?
A Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) is an official statutory penalty issued only by one of these authorities:
• Local councils
• Transport for London (TfL)
• The police (in rare traffic enforcement cases)
These penalties are backed by legislation such as: The Traffic Management Act; London Local Authorities Acts; Road Traffic Regulation Act. A Penalty Charge Notice is legally enforceable. It has a formal appeals process, strict deadlines, and must follow proper evidence rules.
If the ticket is from a Council or TfL, you have a real PCN.
What Is a Parking Charge Notice? (Private Land)
A Parking Charge Notice is not a penalty.
It is an invoice issued by a private parking company for an alleged breach of contract on private land — such as supermarket car parks, retail parks, hospitals, or business premises. These companies include:
• ParkingEye • Horizon • Euro Car Parks • NCP • APCOA • UKPC • Smart Parking
A Parking Charge Notice is governed by contract law, not traffic law. There is no statutory appeal system. Instead, they use trade-body systems such as: POPLA (BPA members) or IAS (IPC members). These are not the same as council adjudicators (London Tribunals, Traffic Penalty Tribunal).
Why People Get Confused
Private companies know that drivers are more likely to pay if the ticket appears official. So they deliberately:
1. Use the same letters “PCN”
They use “Parking Charge Notice” knowing most people won’t notice the subtle difference.
2. Copy the colour scheme and layout of council PCNs
Yellow/black borders, bold warnings, time limits, “DO NOT IGNORE” boxes.
3. Include legal-sounding language
Words like “breach,” “offence,” “contravention,” “charge,” or “appeal” — even though none of these apply in the statutory sense.
4. Imply urgency with early-payment discounts
They mimic the council 14-day discount rule to pressure people into paying quickly.
5. Use cameras that appear like enforcement cameras
ANPR cameras on private land are not the same as council enforcement cameras — but they look similar.
All of this is designed to create confusion and compliance.
How to Tell Which Ticket You Have (Simple Test)
Use this quick checklist:
✔ Does it mention the Council or Transport for London (TfL)? → if yes, its a Penalty Charge Notice (official)
✔ Does it refer to “Traffic Management Act”, “London Local Authorities”, or “Contravention Code”? → if yes, its a Penalty Charge Notice (official)
✔ Does it mention “ParkingEye”, “NCP”, “UKPC”, “APCOA”, etc.? → its a Parking Charge Notice (private invoice)
✔ Does it say “breach of contract” or refer to terms and conditions? → its a Parking Charge Notice (private)
✔ Is the location a supermarket, retail park, gym, hospital or private business car park? → its a Parking Charge Notice (private)
Comparison: Penalty Charge Notice vs Parking Charge Notice
Issued by:
• Penalty Charge Notice: Council or TfL
• Parking Charge Notice: Private parking company
Legal basis:
• Penalty Charge Notice: Traffic law
• Parking Charge Notice: Contract law
Is it a real fine?
• Penalty Charge Notice: Yes
• Parking Charge Notice: No — it’s an invoice
Appeal process:
• Penalty Charge Notice: Independent tribunal (London Tribunals / Traffic Penalty Tribunal)
• Parking Charge Notice: POPLA or IAS (industry-run)
Typical locations
• Penalty Charge Notice: Roads, bus lanes, red routes, yellow box junctions
• Parking Charge Notice: Retail parks, supermarkets, private land
Which Tickets Does Smart Appeal Support?
Smart Appeal only helps with:
• Council PCNs • TfL PCNs • Moving traffic PCNs • Bus lane PCNs • Red route PCNs • Yellow box junction PCNs
We do not generate letters for private parking charges
If You Have a Private Parking Charge — What You Should Know
Even though Smart Appeal doesn’t generate letters for private parking charges, here are three things consumers often get wrong:
1. A private Parking Charge Notice is not a criminal offence.
2. You are not legally required to pay immediately.
3. The company must follow specific rules to pursue you.
This information positions you as a trusted educator, without offering the service.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between a Penalty Charge Notice and a Parking Charge Notice protects you from being misled — and helps you take the correct next steps.
If your ticket is from a council or TfL, Smart Appeal can help you challenge it quickly and professionally.