Contravention code 12
Official description
Parked in a residents’ or shared use parking place or zone without a valid virtual permit or clearly displaying a valid physical permit or voucher or pay and display ticket issued for that place
What this means
The authority says you were in a residents’ or shared-use bay without a valid permit, voucher or ticket for that bay.
Penalty level
This code is normally charged at the higher band. Bands differ between authorities, so the amount on your notice is authoritative.
Questions this usually turns on
- Did you hold a valid permit for that bay at that time?
- If the permit is virtual, was the correct registration linked to it?
- If physical, was it displayed and legible from outside the vehicle?
- Did you buy a pay-and-display ticket or pay by app instead?
Evidence commonly relevant
Parking permit
Photograph the permit, or screenshot the account page showing the permit, the vehicle registration and the valid dates.
Establishes that you were entitled to park in that bay at that time.
Payment receipt
Photograph the ticket, or screenshot the card or bank transaction showing time and amount.
Direct evidence of what you paid and when.
Parking app session
Screenshot the session in your parking app showing the registration, location or zone number, start time and end time.
Shows the session you bought. The registration and zone shown must match the location on the notice.
The authority’s photographs
Most London authorities publish the enforcement photos online using your PCN number and vehicle registration. Download them and upload them here.
These are the images the authority will rely on. Reviewing them early tells you what you are actually arguing against.
Signs at the location
Photograph the nearest sign close up so the text is readable, then step back and take a second photo showing the sign and your parking space together.
A restriction has to be signed. What the sign says, and whether it can be seen from where you parked, is often the whole case.
Procedure
A local-authority PCN follows the statutory process: a reduced amount is normally payable within the discount period, you may challenge the notice, and if a Notice to Owner is served you may make formal representations on specific statutory grounds. If those are rejected you may appeal to an independent adjudicator.
National list of parking contravention codes used by London enforcement authorities · https://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/services/parking-services/parking-and-traffic/contravention-codes
This record has not yet been reviewed by a qualified person. Always check the wording printed on your own notice.
PCNWatch provides information and document-preparation tools. It does not provide legal advice and does not guarantee that a challenge will succeed.