Contravention Code 30 — Parked for Longer Than the Maximum Period Permitted

Last updated: March 2026

Maximum-stay parking bays are common on high streets and in town centres. If you stayed beyond the permitted time and received a code 30 PCN, the good news is that several defences — from signage issues to grace periods — can lead to a successful appeal.

What Does Code 30 Mean?

Contravention code 30 is a lower-level contravention issued when a vehicle overstays the maximum permitted period in a free or limited-waiting parking bay. Unlike code 05 (which covers paid bays), code 30 typically applies to free bays with time limits — for example, “1 hour maximum stay, no return within 2 hours.” The penalty is £50 outside London or £80 in London, with a 50% early-payment discount.

How Enforcement Works

CEOs enforce maximum-stay bays by recording the position of your vehicle (sometimes using chalk marks on tyres or digital photographs) on a first visit, then returning after the maximum stay period has elapsed. If your vehicle is still present, the CEO will issue a PCN. The CEO's evidence must include two observations with timestamps showing the vehicle was present beyond the permitted period. Some councils use ANPR cameras for automated enforcement.

Common Defences

Unclear or Non-Compliant Signage

The maximum stay and any no-return period must be clearly displayed on signs that comply with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD). If the signs are missing, damaged, obscured, or use a non-standard format, the restriction may be unenforceable. Photograph all signage in the area and check for any deficiencies in the sign design or placement.

10-Minute Grace Period

Under the Deregulation Act 2015, a 10-minute grace period applies to on-street parking in England after the end of any paid-for or free time period. If the CEO's evidence shows you overstayed by 10 minutes or less, the PCN should be cancelled. Check the timestamps on the CEO's notes carefully.

Vehicle Moved and Returned

If you left the bay and returned after the no-return period expired, but the CEO's first and second observations were both during your return visit, the evidence does not prove you overstayed. The CEO must show continuity — that your vehicle was present throughout, not that it was merely present at two different times. Request the full enforcement notes to check whether the evidence actually proves continuous presence.

Broken Meter or Time Disc Issues

Some limited-waiting bays require a parking disc (clock disc) to be displayed showing your arrival time. If the disc was faulty, you did not have one because they are not widely available, or the requirement was not clearly signed, this can form a defence.

Medical Emergency or Breakdown

If you overstayed because of a medical emergency or vehicle breakdown, provide evidence such as medical records, prescriptions, or breakdown recovery receipts. While not a strict legal defence at tribunal, councils routinely cancel PCNs in genuine emergency situations.

What Are Your Chances of Success?

Code 30 appeals have a good success rate. Signage defences are particularly effective because free limited-waiting bays are sometimes poorly signed compared to paid bays. The grace period defence is straightforward if the timestamps support it. At the Traffic Penalty Tribunal, adjudicators expect the council to demonstrate proper signage and two clear observations with accurate timestamps. Any gap in the evidence works in your favour.

Related Guides

• How to Appeal a Council Parking Ticket (PCN)
• Traffic Penalty Tribunal — How It Works
• Contravention Code 05 — Parked After Payment Expired
• The 10-Minute Grace Period