Contravention Code 22 — Re-Parked in the Same Place or Zone Within the No-Return Period

Last updated: March 2026

Many parking bays have a “no-return” rule — once your maximum stay expires, you cannot simply move to a nearby bay and start again. If you have been caught out by this rule and received a code 22 PCN, here is how the system works and what defences are available.

What Does Code 22 Mean?

Contravention code 22 is a lower-level contravention issued when a vehicle has been parked, moved, and then re-parked in the same street or parking zone within the specified no-return period. The purpose of no-return rules is to ensure parking turnover in busy areas. The penalty is at the lower band — typically £50 outside London or £80 in London boroughs, halved if paid within 14 days.

How No-Return Periods Work

A no-return period is shown on the parking sign alongside the maximum stay — for example, “2 hours, no return within 1 hour.” This means that once you have used your two-hour maximum stay, you must leave the controlled zone for at least one hour before parking again. The no-return applies to the entire zone or street covered by that set of signs, not just the individual bay you were in.

CEOs enforce this by noting your vehicle registration and location on their first patrol, then checking for the same vehicle on subsequent patrols. Some councils use ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) cameras for enforcement.

Common Defences

Moved to a Different Zone

The no-return period applies within the same zone or street. If you moved your vehicle to a genuinely different parking zone (identified by different zone signs and reference numbers), the no-return should not apply. Check the signage carefully — zones can change even within a short distance, and the boundary between two zones may be the key to your defence.

No-Return Period Not Shown on Signs

The no-return period must be clearly displayed on the parking signage. If the signs show a maximum stay but do not mention a no-return period, or if the no-return information is missing or illegible, the restriction cannot be enforced. Photograph all relevant signs and time plates.

CEO Did Not Record First Visit

To prove you re-parked within the no-return period, the council must show evidence that your vehicle was present during a first observation and then present again after a second observation within the no-return window. If the CEO's notes are incomplete, inconsistent, or do not clearly record both observations with timestamps, the evidence may be insufficient.

Different Vehicle

If you have access to multiple vehicles or the CEO recorded the wrong registration number during their first patrol, this can be raised as a defence. Request the CEO's pocket-book notes to verify the details.

Signage Non-Compliant with TSRGD

The parking signs must comply with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions. If the sign layout is incorrect, the no-return information is in the wrong format, or required elements are missing, the restriction may be unenforceable.

What Are Your Chances of Success?

Code 22 appeals have a moderate success rate. The strongest cases involve signage deficiencies or confusion about zone boundaries. If you genuinely moved to a different zone and can demonstrate this with photographic evidence of different zone signs, your appeal is likely to succeed. Cases based on incomplete CEO evidence also do well at tribunal. The key is to request the full enforcement officer notes early in the process.

Related Guides

• How to Appeal a Council Parking Ticket (PCN)
• Traffic Penalty Tribunal — How It Works
• Contravention Code 30 — Parked Longer Than Permitted
• Contravention Code 05 — Parked After Payment Expired