Have you got a Westminster PCN and wondering what to do next? You’re not alone. Getting one of these can be a real headache, and it’s easy to feel unsure about what to do next. Should you just pay up and get it over with, or is it worth appealing?
In this article, we’ll explore all about Westminster PCN and help you decide whether to pay or appeal it. Let’s get started.
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What Is The Westminster Penalty Charge Notice?
The Westminster City Council issues fines when motorists violate parking and traffic rules and regulations set by the council. This fine is called the Westminster Penalty Charge Notice and it’s different from the fines issued by the private companies in the Westminster area.
Below are some of the offences that will earn you a Westminster PCN:
- Parking in restricted areas.
- Overstaying the permitted parking duration.
- Not having a valid parking ticket.
- Missing road toll deadlines.
- Other driving offences.
Westminster PCN is not a simple parking ticket, but a legal notice and ignoring it can lead to severe consequences. Therefore, you must take the necessary steps as soon as possible.
However, what should be your next steps after receiving a Westminster Penalty Charge Notice?
Can you challenge the decision or should you pay the fine right away? Read the next sections for answers.
Do You Have To Pay Westminster PCN Fines?
As I told you earlier, Westminster PCN is a legal notice. Hence, you must not ignore it.
You may receive the PCN notice while you are in the car or sometimes the council will send it to your home.
When you receive the PCN, you have two options: pay or appeal. You must consider the pros and cons of each option and take the best one for your situation.
The Westminster PCN amount varies between £80 to £130 depending on the severity of the offence. If you pay the fine within 14 days you’ll get a 50% discount, which means the minimum amount can be £40 and this helps you to save your money.
On the other hand, if you fail to pay within 28 days of receiving the notice your fine will increase by 50%.
Westminster Council gives the discount to encourage prompt payments and to reduce the number of appeals.
However, paying the fine is not the best option all the time. If you are sure you didn’t commit any offence, you must appeal the decision. The appealing process might take time but in the end, you’ll be free of the fine.
You must weigh the pros and cons of the two options; whether to pay or appeal carefully and do what’s best for your situation.
If you are in doubt or struggling financially to pay your fines, contact our Money Advisor Team for guidance.
Are you struggling with unaffordable debt?
- Affordable repayments
- Reduce Pressure from people you owe
- One simple monthly payment
Suppose you have decided to pay the fine, how would you make the city of Westminster PCN payment?
The City Of Westminster Pay PCN
You can pay the Westminster PCN in several methods as follows:
- Online
- By phone
- At a Westminster post office
- By post
Paying online is the easiest and the most convenient method. You need the 10-digit number on top of your PCN and debit/credit card number to make an online payment.
However, you can’t pay the PCN online if your PCN is more than 60 days old, you get a bailiff’s letter, or you receive an order for recovery of unpaid penalty charge notice.
To pay the fine by phone, you must call 020 7823 4567. If you don’t like electronic payments, you can visit a Westminster post office and pay by cash, cheque, debit card, or credit card.
You can also pay the PCN by post by sending a cheque or postal order to the below address:
City of Westminster’, Parking Services, City of Westminster,
PO Box 351, Sheffield,
S98 1TU.
Remember you must not send cash by post. Also, if you are sending by post and need the 50% discount, make sure to post early so that your payment reaches the council within 14 days.
All the above payment method has pros and cons. So the best payment method depends on your preference and situation.
How would you challenge the Westminster PCN if you haven’t committed any offence? Let’s discuss this in detail.
Challenging Your Westminster PCN
Was your Westminster Penalty Charge Notice issued in error? You have the right to appeal. The process might seem daunting, but don’t worry, it’s simpler than it looks.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the appeal process.
- Collect evidence: Check if you have any photos, CCTV footage, witness statements, or discrepancies in the notice that prove you didn’t commit the offence.
Bad weather conditions and unclear signs can also be presented as evidence. Remember strong evidence increases your chance of winning the appeal.
- Submit an informal appeal: Write a letter to the local authority indicating that you didn’t violate any rules. Mention clearly why you claim so.
Source: MoneySavingExpert
The above forum post shows a part of a letter written to appeal a Westminster PCN. Here you can see how the reason for appealing the PCN is mentioned clearly.
- If you receive the PCN while you are in the vehicle, you must submit the appeal within 14 days and if you receive it in post you have 21 days to submit the informal appeal. It’s important to appeal in the given time frame.
- If the council rejects your informal appeal, you’ll receive a ‘Notice to Owner’ indicating the same.
- You can submit a formal appeal within 28 days of the rejection notice via post or online. Get the form for the formal appeal from the Traffic Penalty Tribunal.
- If the formal appeal is also rejected, you can escalate the case to an independent tribunal. The tribunal doesn’t have affiliations with the Westminster Council, hence they’ll review your case independently.
However, if the independent tribunal rejects your appeal, you must pay the fine within 28 days. If you fail to pay, your fine will increase by 50%.
If you decide to appeal, ensure you have strong evidence to support your claim. This process will take time and you don’t need to waste it.
What will happen if you ignore the Westminster PCN? Let’s explore.
What If You Don’t Pay Or Appeal The Westminster PCN?
Ignoring a Westminster PCN can lead to serious consequences. If you don’t pay or appeal within 28 days, your fine increases by 50%.
The council will send a charge certificate demanding payment within 14 days. Still not convinced to pay? The council might take you to court, making the situation even worse.
If you continue to ignore the fine, the council can obtain a court order, making you legally obligated to pay. This can result in additional court fees and legal complications.
If you still refuse to pay, bailiffs may be employed to recover the debt, adding even more costs to your original fine.
It’s crucial to address a Westminster PCN promptly. Whether you decide to pay or appeal, taking action within the stipulated time frame can save you from further financial and legal troubles.
If you are struggling financially to pay the fines, contact a debt charity for guidance. Below are some debt charities in the UK:
- StepChange
- National Debtline
- Citizens Advice
Avoiding A Westminster Penalty Charge Notice
Wouldn’t it be great to avoid a Westminster PCN altogether? Here are some tips to help you steer clear of fines:
- Check Parking Signs: Always read parking signs carefully. Look out for restrictions on timings and special conditions that might apply.
- Use Parking Apps: Apps can help you find legal parking spots. Many apps provide real-time information on available parking spaces and the associated costs.
- Set Reminders: If you’re paying for parking, set a reminder to top up. Overstaying even by a few minutes can result in a hefty fine.
By being proactive and vigilant, you can avoid the hassle and cost of receiving a Westminster Penalty Charge Notice. Simple habits like double-checking signs and using technology to your advantage can make a big difference.
Need Help? Contact Details
If you’re still confused about your Westminster PCN, here are some useful contact details:
- Phone: 020 7823 4567 for general inquiries, or 020 7361 4380 to pay over the phone.
- Post: Send your queries to Parking Services, City of Westminster, PO Box 733, Redhill RH1 9FN.
- Website: Visit the Westminster City Council website for more information.
These contact points can provide additional guidance and clarify doubts regarding your Westminster Penalty Charge Notice. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance.
Conclusion: Should You Pay Or Appeal?
The Westminster City Council issues Westminitser PCN when a motorist violates the parking and traffic rules. When you receive a PCN, you can either pay it or appeal the decision. Paying within 14 days will earn you a 50% discount.
If you are sure that you didn’t commit any offence and you have strong evidence to prove it, you must appeal the council’s decision.
However, if you are at fault, it’s better to pay the fine as early as possible to save your money and prevent complications.
You can pay the City of Westminster PCN fine online, by post, or by phone. If you are unsure whether to pay or appeal or are facing any financial struggles to pay the fine, fill out this online form and one of our debt advisors will contact you.
Key Points
- The Westminster City Council issues Westminster PCN for traffic and parking violations.
- The fine amount varies between £80 to £130 depending on the severity of the offence.
- If you pay the fine within 14 days you’ll receive a 50% discount, whereas if you fail to pay within the given timeframe it will increase by 50%.
- You can submit an appeal if you think you didn’t commit any offence.
- First, you must submit an informal appeal and then a formal appeal. If the council rejects your appeal you are free to challenge it in the independent tribunal.
- If the independent tribunal rejects your appeal, it’s mandatory to pay the fine. If you don’t the Westminster City Council can escalate the matter to sending bailiffs and you will have to pay additional fees.
- You can pay the Westminster PCN online, by phone, or by post.
- Strategies to avoid receiving a PCN include checking parking signs, using parking apps, and setting reminders to avoid overstaying.
- Certain vehicles and situations may qualify for exemptions, and it’s essential to check with the council if these apply to you.
- If you are struggling to pay the fine, the council may offer instalment plans upon request.
FAQs
Yes, in certain situations, the City of Westminster may allow you to pay your Penalty Charge Notice in instalments. This option is typically available if you can demonstrate financial hardship. You will need to contact the council directly to discuss your situation and set up a payment plan.
If you lose your PCN number, you can still retrieve it by contacting the Westminster City Council. They will ask for details such as your vehicle registration number and the date and location of the alleged offence to help locate your PCN.
The length of the appeal process can vary. An informal appeal may take a few weeks, while a formal appeal and tribunal process can take several months. It’s important to keep track of deadlines and respond promptly to any correspondence from the council.
Yes, even Blue Badge holders can receive a PCN if they violate specific parking regulations. While the Blue Badge scheme offers several parking concessions, it does not allow parking in prohibited areas or ways that obstruct traffic.
Certain exemptions may apply to Westminster PCNs. For instance, emergency vehicle drivers, public service vehicles, and certain other categories may be exempt under specific circumstances. You should contact the council to see if any exemptions apply to your situation.
