PCN code 45: meaning and how to appeal

Higher levelOn-street parking

Official description: “Stopped on a taxi rank”

What it means

You stopped on a marked taxi rank while it was in operation. A 'w' suffix means 'waiting' rather than 'stopped'.

How much is a code 45 PCN?

Code 45 is a higher-level contravention, so the amount depends on where you were:

AreaPenaltyPaid 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

On TfL red routes (suffix n) the penalty is £160, or £80 if paid within 14 days.

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

Deadlines

Common grounds to appeal a code 45 PCN

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

Code 45 suffixes

The letter after the code shows the type of bay, vehicle or enforcement. Suffixes that apply to code 45:

SuffixMeaning
45Nred route
45W'waiting' instead of 'stopped'

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.

Write your code 45 appeal letter for free. Pick your grounds, add your facts, then copy, download or print.

Generate a letter

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

Related codes

Code 47
Stopped at a bus stopCode 46
Stopped on a red route or clearway

Frequently asked questions

What does PCN code 45 mean?

Code 45 is “Stopped on a taxi rank”. In plain English: You stopped on a marked taxi rank while it was in operation. A 'w' suffix means 'waiting' rather than 'stopped'.

How much is a code 45 PCN?

Code 45 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 45 PCN?

Yes. Common grounds include: The rank was not in operation at that time (check the plate). The markings or signs were missing or unclear. Your vehicle was a licensed taxi entitled to use the rank.

How long do I have to challenge a code 45 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

Not legal advice. This site gives general information about council PCNs in England, based on official sources (last reviewed 21 October 2026). Rules and amounts change and every case is different. Always check the notice you received, your council's website and the official sources, and consider independent advice for complex cases. PCN Codes is not connected to any council, TfL, London Tribunals or the Traffic Penalty Tribunal.