I have received a Parking PCN in the post
You received a Parking Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) because you parked your vehicle in a way that broke parking rules.
This page is for if you received a PCN in the post.
What you can do now
You have two options.
Pay the PCN
- you can pay the PCN online
- you pay a lower amount if you pay within 14 days
Challenge the PCN
You can challenge the PCN if you believe:
- it was issued incorrectly
- you have evidence of a parking exemption
If you take no action
If you do not pay or 'make representations' within 28 days, we may send you a Charge Certificate letter. This will increase the PCN by 50%.
Challenging your PCN
If you want to make representations, you must do it within 28 days of the Date of Service.
The Date of Service is two working days after the PCN is posted.
What you need to challenge a PCN
You will need:
- your PCN reference number, which starts with HX followed by 8 digits
- your vehicle registration number
- evidence to support your explanation
Evidence can be:
- up to 3 JPEG images or PDF files
- each file must be under 5MB
If you do not know your PCN number
If you do not know your PCN reference number, contact us and provide your vehicle registration number.
You can:
- call our switchboard on 01429 266522
- email: parking@hartlepool.gov.uk
Phone lines are open:
- 9am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday
- 9am to 4:30pm, Friday
What happens after you have made representations
Your next steps depend on the outcome of your challenge to the council:
- if successful, we will cancel the PCN and you do not have to pay
- if unsuccessful, the PCN still has to be paid or appealed further
You can appeal further once you have received a Notice of Rejection (NoR) of Representation. This can take up to 56 days to arrive.
Further guidance on appealing parking PCNs
You can read independent guidance on the appeals process on the Traffic Penalty Tribunal website.