If you’ve received a Civil Enforcement Parking Charge Notice (PCN), you may feel compelled to pay it immediately to avoid further complications.
But here’s something you might not know: 70% of parking charge notices are cancelled when challenged correctly.
Instead of paying the full fine upfront, you could potentially have it cancelled or reduced by appealing for as little as £4.99 through Parking Mate UK.
Before you proceed with payment, here are three key steps to follow to ensure you’re not overpaying for a PCN that may be invalid.

“Easy process & a bargain! They made the process very easy and the cost was next to nothing compared to what I would have had to pay for an actual ticket. I would definitely use this service again.”
– Diana (Customer)
3 Things to Do Before Settling a Civil Enforcement PCN
- Write an Appeal for Just £4.99
It only takes a few minutes to generate a professional appeal letter with Parking Mate UK. This small investment can save you hundreds of pounds. Common issues like unclear signage, procedural errors, or incorrect time stamps can lead to your PCN being deemed invalid. With a legal appeal letter tailored to your case, you have a strong chance of having the charge cancelled. - Escalate to POPLA if the PCN Was Issued Incorrectly
If Civil Enforcement rejects your appeal, you don’t have to stop there. You can escalate the case to POPLA (Parking on Private Land Appeals), an independent appeals service. Many motorists succeed at this stage, as POPLA reviews cases with impartiality and often rules in favour of the motorist when valid evidence is provided. - Pay Only if Necessary
If you’ve explored your appeal options and decide to pay, you can easily settle the PCN via Civil Enforcement’s online payment portal. Simply visit Civil Enforcement Payments and enter your PCN details to complete the payment.
Civil Enforcement Payment Page
Why Appealing Is Worth the Effort
With 70% of parking fines being cancelled upon appeal, taking the time to challenge your PCN could save you hundreds of pounds. Using a service like Parking Mate UK not only simplifies the process but also makes it affordable, costing only £4.99 to generate a professional appeal letter.
This small fee is a worthwhile investment compared to the hefty fine you’d otherwise have to pay.
However, if you’re unable to appeal or decide not to pursue it further, settling the charge promptly via the Civil Enforcement payment portal is the next best step.
Don’t Pay More Than You Have To!
Before paying your Civil Enforcement PCN, consider using Parking Mate UK to challenge the fine. It’s quick, affordable, and often leads to cancellation or reduction of the charge.