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Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs)

How to pay or appeal a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), charges and discounted charges, PCN text message scams and QR code parking payment scams.

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What to do if you receive a PCN and charges

We issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) if you park in a way that breaks our parking rules. For example parking on yellow lines or on a dropped kerb.

If your PCN was issued by Luton Council, it will start with the prefix 'LU'. Be aware that PCNs issued by Luton Airport also start with 'LU'. We do not issue or handle Luton Airport PCNs.

What you need to do if you receive a PCN

You should check that you have complied with the parking regulations. If you have not, you will need to pay.

Pay a PCN

If you feel you have complied with the regulations or believe the notice was issued incorrectly, you may decide to challenge or appeal the PCN. 

Challenge or appeal a PCN

Charges

PCNs are rated on a higher or lower scale, depending on the seriousness of the offence. 

Higher rate charges

You will be charged £70 for this level of PCN. This is discounted to £35 if you pay within 14 days of the date the PCN was issued.  

For postal PCNs the discount period is 21 days.

Types of higher level offences include parking in a:

  • road with yellow lines
  • restricted area outside a school
  • permit bay without clearly displaying a valid permit
  • in a car park or area not designated for that class of vehicle
  • loading area without loading

Lower rate charges

You will be charged £50 for this level of PCN. This is discounted down to £25 if you pay within 14 days of the date the PCN was issued. 

For postal PCNs the discount period is 21 days.

Types of lower level offences include:

  • parking after the expiry of paid time
  • parking in a car park without displaying a valid pay and display ticket or buying parking by phone
  • not parking correctly within the markings of a bay space
  • parking for longer than permitted

Contact us

If you have lost your PCN or you are experiencing difficulties making your appeal online, contact us:

Email: parking@luton.gov.uk

You must include your vehicle registration number.