How to Appeal a Congestion Charge or ULEZ Fine

Last updated: March 2026

Received a Penalty Charge Notice for the London Congestion Charge or ULEZ? These fines are issued by Transport for London (TfL) and carry a charge of £160 — but many are successfully appealed. Here's everything you need to know.

Congestion Charge vs ULEZ — What's the Difference?

The Congestion Charge is a daily charge for driving within central London during operating hours (currently 07:00–18:00, Mon–Fri and 12:00–18:00 Sat–Sun). It must be paid by midnight on the day of travel (or by midnight the following day for a £17.50 next-day charge). Failure to pay triggers a £160 PCN.

The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) covers all London boroughs and operates 24/7. Vehicles that do not meet the minimum emission standards (Euro 4 for petrol, Euro 6 for diesel) must pay a daily £12.50 charge. Failure to pay also triggers a £160 PCN. Both charges are reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days.

Common Grounds for Appeal

Auto Pay Failures

TfL offers an Auto Pay system that automatically charges your account when your vehicle is detected. If Auto Pay failed due to a system error, an expired payment card that you were not notified about, or an incorrect vehicle registration on your account, this is a strong ground for appeal. Gather evidence of your Auto Pay registration and any relevant correspondence from TfL.

Exempt Vehicles

Certain vehicles are exempt from the Congestion Charge and/or ULEZ, including vehicles registered with TfL for a 100% discount, blue badge holders (Congestion Charge only — registration required), motorcycles, certain alternative-fuel vehicles, and military vehicles. If your vehicle qualifies for an exemption that was not correctly applied, you have grounds to challenge the PCN.

Signage and Boundary Issues

TfL must ensure that the zone boundaries are clearly signed. If you entered the zone via a road where signage was missing, obscured, or misleading, this can form part of your appeal. This is more common with ULEZ boundary areas where the zone has been recently expanded.

Vehicle Sold or Stolen

If you had sold the vehicle before the date of the contravention, or the vehicle was stolen, you are not liable. Provide a copy of the V5C transfer acknowledgement, the sale agreement, or the crime reference number for the theft report.

Not the Driver and Not the Keeper

If you were not the registered keeper on the date of the contravention and were not driving, you can challenge the PCN on this basis. TfL must issue the PCN to the registered keeper at the time, not a previous keeper.

The TfL Representation Process

1. Make a representation to TfL: You can challenge the PCN online via the TfL website or in writing. You typically have 28 days from the date of the PCN. State your grounds clearly and provide all supporting evidence.
2. TfL reviews your challenge: TfL will consider your representation and respond. If they accept it, the PCN is cancelled. If they reject it, they will issue a Notice of Rejection.
3. Appeal to London Tribunals: If TfL rejects your representation, you can appeal to the independent London Tribunals (Environment and Traffic Adjudicators). This is free and the adjudicator's decision is binding on TfL.

The process is similar to appealing a council parking PCN, though the specific legislation differs. London Tribunals handle both Congestion Charge and ULEZ appeals.

Key Time Limits

Understanding time limits is critical:

• 14 days: Pay the reduced £80 charge (but this means accepting liability)
• 28 days: Make a representation to TfL challenging the PCN
• 28 days after rejection: Appeal to London Tribunals if your representation is refused

While your representation or tribunal appeal is pending, TfL cannot take enforcement action, and the charge does not increase.

Tips for a Successful Appeal

• Be factual and concise — adjudicators deal with high volumes and appreciate clear, focused appeals
• Provide documentary evidence: screenshots of Auto Pay settings, vehicle exemption certificates, V5C documents
• Reference the specific statutory grounds for your challenge
• Do not simply argue that the charge is unfair or too high — focus on whether the PCN was validly issued

Related Guides

• Appeal a Parking Ticket in London
• How to Appeal a Bus Lane Fine
• Traffic Penalty Tribunal — How It Works
• Parking Ticket Time Limits