PCN Helper – Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PCN?
A PCN (Penalty Charge Notice) is a parking or traffic fine issued by a council or private parking operator. It’s not a criminal offence, but ignoring it can lead to increased costs or debt collection.
Who can use PCN Helper?
Any UK driver who has received a parking or traffic-related fine — whether from a council, private company, or transport authority — can use PCN Helper to appeal it quickly and easily.
How does the free appeal letter work?
You fill in a short form on our website, and we prepare a professional appeal letter for you to submit to the parking company yourself. It’s completely free and available by email within 24 hours.
What’s included in the £5 submission service?
For just £5, our team prepares and submits the appeal on your behalf. We make sure it’s sent to the correct authority, include all necessary details, and handle the process end-to-end.
How long does it take to get my appeal letter?
Our team prepares your appeal letter within 24 hours.
What happens after I submit the appeal?
The parking operator or council will review your case and send you a response by post or email, usually within 14–28 days. If they reject it, you may have a further right to appeal through POPLA or the Traffic Penalty Tribunal.
Is PCN Helper a legal service?
No, we’re not solicitors. PCN Helper is a support platform that helps drivers prepare strong appeal letters using publicly available regulations and industry best practices.
What if my appeal is rejected?
If you used the £5 service and your appeal is rejected, you’re covered by our money-back guarantee.
Can you help with both council and private PCNs?
Yes. We handle appeals for all types of Penalty Charge Notices, including:
- Council PCNs (bus lanes, parking bays, junctions, red routes)
- Private parking charges (supermarkets, retail parks, hospitals)
- Transport and airport drop-off zones
Do I need to upload my PCN photo or reference number?
Yes — uploading a clear photo of your PCN helps us identify the correct operator and speed up your appeal. It also ensures your letter includes accurate details.
What success rate does PCN Helper have?
Our customers report around a 75% success rate across all appeal types. Every case is different, but well-structured appeals have a much higher chance of being accepted.
Is my personal data secure?
Absolutely. All information submitted through our forms is encrypted and never shared with third parties. We only use your data to prepare and submit your appeal.
I’ve already paid my fine — can I still appeal?
Once payment is made, most operators treat the case as closed. However, if you paid in error or under pressure, you can still contact them directly to request a review.
Need more help?
If you have a question not listed here, please contact us via our Contact page — we’ll respond as soon as possible.