Box Junction Fine Appeal — How to Challenge a Yellow Box PCN

Last updated: March 2026

Yellow box junction fines are among the most commonly issued — and most commonly appealed — council PCNs in the UK, particularly in London. Many are issued incorrectly, and the success rate at tribunal is notably high.

What Is a Box Junction Offence?

A yellow box junction is marked with criss-cross yellow lines on the road. The rule is straightforward: you must not enter the box unless your exit is clear. If you stop inside the box (even partially), a contravention has technically occurred. These are enforced by CCTV cameras, and the PCN is posted to the registered keeper — the same process as other council PCNs.

The relevant legislation is the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD) 2016 and the contravention code is typically 99 (in London) or similar codes outside London. Charges are usually £130 in London (reduced to £65 if paid within 14 days) and £70 outside London (reduced to £35).

The Right-Turn Exemption

This is the single most important defence for box junction fines. Under Regulation 29 of TSRGD, there is a specific exemption: you are permitted to enter a box junction and wait if you are turning right and are only prevented from completing the turn by oncoming traffic or other vehicles also turning right.

In practice, this means that if you entered the box intending to turn right and were stopped by oncoming traffic, you have not committed a contravention — even if you remained stationary in the box for some time. Councils frequently issue PCNs in these circumstances, and the Traffic Penalty Tribunal regularly overturns them.

How to Request CCTV Evidence

Before you appeal, request the CCTV footage. Under the council's enforcement procedures, you are entitled to view the video evidence. Most councils provide this via an online portal — the details should be on your PCN. When reviewing the footage, look for:

• Whether your exit was genuinely blocked or whether traffic moved while you were waiting
• Whether you were turning right (the exemption applies)
• Whether the box junction markings were correctly laid out and clearly visible
• Whether traffic signals may have contributed to the situation

Other Common Defences

Traffic Light Sequence Issues

Some box junctions are positioned near traffic lights where the signal sequence makes it almost impossible to clear the box. If the lights changed while you were crossing, or the phase timings are unreasonably short, this is a valid ground. Adjudicators have recognised that poorly designed junctions should not penalise drivers.

Avoiding an Obstruction or Emergency

If you stopped in the box to avoid a collision, allow an emergency vehicle to pass, or because of an unexpected obstruction (such as a broken-down vehicle ahead), these are valid mitigating circumstances. Evidence such as dashcam footage is particularly helpful here.

Defective Road Markings

The box junction markings must comply with TSRGD. If the yellow criss-cross lines are faded, incomplete, or do not extend to the edges of the junction correctly, the markings may be non-compliant, and the PCN could be invalid. Photograph the junction if possible.

TfL vs Local Council Enforcement

In London, box junctions on red routes are enforced by Transport for London (TfL), while those on borough roads are enforced by the local council. The appeal processes differ slightly: TfL contraventions are handled under the London Local Authorities and Transport for London Act 2003. Appeals against both ultimately go to the London Tribunals (Environment and Traffic Adjudicators). Outside London, appeals go to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal.

Time Limits for Appealing

The same time limits that apply to council parking PCNs apply to box junction PCNs. You have 28 days to make an informal challenge, then 28 days to make a formal representation after receiving a Notice to Owner, and finally 28 days to appeal to the tribunal if your representation is rejected.

Success Rates

Box junction appeals have some of the highest success rates of any PCN type. Tribunal statistics consistently show that a significant proportion of box junction appeals are upheld, particularly where the right-turn exemption applies. If you have a genuine defence, appealing is well worth the effort — and there is no cost or penalty for trying.

Related Guides

• How to Appeal a Council Parking Ticket (PCN)
• Traffic Penalty Tribunal — How It Works
• Contravention Code 99
• Parking Ticket Time Limits