Pavement parking
Pavement parking fines: Penalty Charge Notices
If you park on the pavement, at a dropped kerb, or double park, you could get a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019.
PCNs are different to Excess Charge Notices.
Scammers may send fake PCN text messages claiming you owe fines or penalties for parking. These messages often include links that can steal your personal or financial information.
To find out how to identify them and what to do, view fake PCN text messages.
Penalties
Penalty charges are set by law and apply across Scotland:
- £50 if paid within 14 days
- £100 if paid after 14 days
- £150 if a Charge Certificate is issued
We can only issue a penalty if one of our officers sees the vehicle parked in contravention. There is no minimum time the vehicle must be parked before a penalty can be issued.
You might see the following contravention codes on penalty notices:
- 100 - parked on pavement or verge
- 101 - parked next to pedestrian dropped or raised crossing point
- 102 - double parked
What to do if you get a PCN
You have three options:
- Pay the charge - discounted if paid within the timeframe on your notice.
- Challenge the PCN.
- Do nothing - the charge will increase and may be recovered through formal enforcement action.
How to pay
There are different ways you can pay your car parking fine. For all payment options view details on the PCN.
To pay online you will need to have your PCN reference and your vehicle registration handy. You will also need to provide your name, address and card details.
If you have difficulty making payment please contact us by phone on 01467 536060 or email parkingteam@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.
How to challenge a PCN
If you believe the PCN was issued incorrectly, you can challenge it by making an informal representation to the council.
Informal representations should be made within 28 days of the PCN being issued. Include supporting evidence where possible.
You may challenge a PCN if:
- The contravention did not occur
- You were not the owner of the vehicle at the time
- There has been a procedural error
- There are other compelling circumstances you would like the Council to consider
Each case is considered individually and in line with the relevant legislation.
If you have difficulty challenging a fine online contact us by phone on 01467 536060 or email parkingteam@aberdeenshire.gov.uk. Please note however, appeals cannot be taken over the phone.
If your informal representation is rejected
If your informal representation is rejected and the charge remains unpaid, an Enforcement Notice will be issued to the registered keeper of the vehicle.
You can then make a formal representation in writing using the instructions provided on the Enforcement Notice.
The council will consider the representation and respond in writing.
If your representation is accepted, the PCN will be cancelled.
If your representation is rejected, you will receive a Notice of Rejection explaining how to appeal to the Parking and Bus Lane Tribunal for Scotland within 28 days. You can also choose to pay the charge.
What happens if you don't pay or respond
If you don't pay, challenge or appeal the PCN, the statutory enforcement process will continue. This may include:
- An Enforcement Notice being issued
- A Charge Certificate being issued, increasing the charge by 50%
- Registration of the unpaid charge for formal recovery
If the charge remains unpaid, the debt may be passed to Sheriff Officers for recovery and additional fees may apply.