PCN code 02: meaning and how to appeal

Higher levelOn-street parkingCan be camera-enforced

Official description: “Parked or loading / unloading in a restricted street where waiting and loading / unloading restrictions are in force”

What it means

You stopped where there was both a waiting restriction (yellow line) and a loading ban, shown by yellow 'blips' (short marks) on the kerb and a plate giving the times. Unlike code 01, loading is not allowed here.

Blue Badge holders are not normally exempt where there is a loading ban.

How much is a code 02 PCN?

Code 02 is a higher-level contravention, so the amount depends on where you were:

Sources: London Councils (London amounts from 7 April 2025) and SI 2022/71 Schedule 3 (outside London). Full fines guide.

Deadlines

• PCN on the windscreen or handed to you: 50% discount if paid within 14 days. If you challenge within 14 days and are refused, councils are recommended to re-offer the discount. Full amount due within 28 days, after which a Notice to Owner can be sent.
• PCN sent by post after camera (CCTV) enforcement: 50% discount within 21 days, and 28 days to pay or make formal representations.
• PCN posted because you drove away or the officer was prevented from issuing it: 50% discount within 14 days, and 28 days to pay or make formal representations.
• Notice to Owner: 28 days to pay or make formal representations. The council must decide within 56 days or the representations are deemed accepted.
• Notice of Rejection: 28 days to appeal to the tribunal (free).
• Charge certificate: the penalty rises by 50%. Order for recovery: 21 days to pay or file a witness statement.

Common grounds to appeal a code 02 PCN

• The kerb blips or the loading-ban time plate were missing, faded or wrong, so the loading ban was not properly signed.
• The loading ban was not in force at the time shown.
• You were only letting passengers get in or out, which is usually still permitted.
• You were prevented from moving by circumstances beyond your control.

Also check the PCN itself: are the date, time, location, vehicle and code correct, and was it served on time? Errors can support the statutory grounds, such as procedural impropriety or 'the contravention did not occur'.

Evidence to gather

• Clear, dated photos of the vehicle position, road markings and every nearby sign or time plate (take them as soon as possible).
• Photos of the kerb blips and loading-ban plate (or their absence).
• Ask the council for the officer's photos and notes (or the camera footage) and check they match the PCN.

Code 02 suffixes

The letter after the code shows the type of bay, vehicle or enforcement. Suffixes that apply to code 02:

How to appeal

1. Informal challenge if the PCN was put on your vehicle (ideally within 14 days).
2. Formal representations within 28 days of the Notice to Owner or postal PCN.
3. If rejected, appeal to the tribunal within 28 days.

Hire or lease company? See how to transfer liability to the hirer.

Related codes

Frequently asked questions

Official sources

• London Councils: Penalty Charge Notices contravention code list (v7.0)
• PATROL / Traffic Penalty Tribunal: Contravention codes (England and Wales)
• London Councils: Parking and traffic charges in London
• SI 2022/71 Schedule 3: penalty charge bands outside Greater London
• SI 2022/576 regulation 5: grounds for representations
• DfT statutory guidance: civil enforcement of parking contraventions (updated 20 Oct 2022)