PCN code 23: meaning and how to appeal
Higher levelOn-street parking
Official description: “Parked in a parking place or area not designated for that class of vehicle”
What it means
You parked in a bay reserved for a different type of vehicle - for example a motorcycle, bus, taxi, car club, doctor or ambulance bay. The suffix on the PCN says which.
The suffix is required to describe this contravention fully - check it is present and correct on the PCN.
How much is a code 23 PCN?
Code 23 is a higher-level contravention, so the amount depends on where you were:
| Area | Penalty | Paid early (50%) | After charge certificate (+50%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| London Band A | £160 | £80 | £240 |
| London Band B | £140 | £70 | £210 |
| Outside London (most councils, band 2) | £70 | £35 | £105 |
| Outside London (band 1 areas) | £60 | £30 | £90 |
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 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 23 PCN
- Your vehicle was the class the bay is for.
- The bay markings or signs did not make the class of vehicle clear.
- You were loading where the order permits it.
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).
Code 23 suffixes
The letter after the code shows the type of bay, vehicle or enforcement. Suffixes that apply to code 23:
| Suffix | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 23A | permit-holder-only EV charging bay |
| 23B | business bay |
| 23C | buses only |
| 23D | doctor's bay |
| 23E | car club bay |
| 23F | free parking bay |
| 23G | motorcycle bay |
| 23H | hospital bay |
| 23K | ambulance bay |
| 23L | loading place |
| 23P | pay & display |
| 23R | residents' bay |
| 23S | shared use bay |
| 23V | voucher |
| 23W | e-scooter bay |
| 23X | disabled bay |
| 23Y | electric solo motorcycle bay |
| 231 | electric vehicles bay |
| 232 | goods vehicle loading bay |
| 233 | bicycle bay |
| 237 | taxis only |
| 238 | zero emission capable taxis only |
| 239 | electric vehicle car club bay |
How to appeal
- Informal challenge if the PCN was put on your vehicle (ideally within 14 days).
- Formal representations within 28 days of the Notice to Owner or postal PCN.
- If rejected, appeal to the tribunal within 28 days.
Write your code 23 appeal letter for free. Pick your grounds, add your facts, then copy, download or print.
Generate a letterHire or lease company? See how to transfer liability to the hirer.
Related codes
Frequently asked questions
What does PCN code 23 mean?
Code 23 is “Parked in a parking place or area not designated for that class of vehicle”. In plain English: You parked in a bay reserved for a different type of vehicle - for example a motorcycle, bus, taxi, car club, doctor or ambulance bay. The suffix on the PCN says which.
How much is a code 23 PCN?
Code 23 is higher level: £160 in London Band A, £140 in Band B, and usually £70 outside London, halved if paid early.
Can I appeal a code 23 PCN?
Yes. Common grounds include: Your vehicle was the class the bay is for. The bay markings or signs did not make the class of vehicle clear. You were loading where the order permits it.
How long do I have to challenge a code 23 PCN?
Challenge within 14 days to protect the discount where possible. Formal representations must be made within 28 days of the Notice to Owner or postal PCN, and a tribunal appeal within 28 days of a Notice of Rejection.
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)