PCN code 73: meaning and how to appeal

Lower levelCouncil car park (off-street)

Official description: “Parked without payment of the parking charge”

What it means

In a council car park, no payment (often by phone or app) was found for the vehicle.

How much is a code 73 PCN?

Code 73 is a lower-level contravention, so the amount depends on where you were:

AreaPenaltyPaid early (50%)After charge certificate (+50%)
London Band A£110£55£165
London Band B£90£45£135
Outside London (most councils, band 2)£50£25£75
Outside London (band 1 areas)£40£20£60

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 73 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 73 suffixes

The letter after the code shows the type of bay, vehicle or enforcement. Suffixes that apply to code 73:

SuffixMeaning
73Gmotorcycle bay
73Uelectronic (phone/app) payment

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

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

Related codes

Code 11
Didn't pay (cashless / phone parking)Code 82
Council car park: paid time expiredCode 83
Council car park: no ticket shown

Frequently asked questions

What does PCN code 73 mean?

Code 73 is “Parked without payment of the parking charge”. In plain English: In a council car park, no payment (often by phone or app) was found for the vehicle.

How much is a code 73 PCN?

Code 73 is lower level: £110 in London Band A, £90 in Band B, and usually £50 outside London, halved if paid early.

Can I appeal a code 73 PCN?

Yes. Common grounds include: You paid - send the app confirmation and bank statement. A typo in the number plate or location code (ask the council to use discretion). The payment methods were not working.

How long do I have to challenge a code 73 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.