parking contravention
Parked displaying an invalid permit, voucher or clock
Code 19 covers an invalid permit, voucher or clock. Often the permit was valid but the council's record was out of date, or the renewal had not propagated.
No account, no card, nothing stored.
Grounds that work against code 19
The permit was valid on the date
If you had renewed, or the council had issued a replacement, the contravention did not occur. Ask them to check the permit register against your registration for that specific date.
The defect was technical, not substantive
A permit displayed face down, or a clock set fractionally wrong, causes no loss and should not attract a penalty.
Evidence to attach
- The permit and its renewal confirmation
- A photograph showing how the permit was displayed
More appeals fail on missing evidence than on weak arguments. Send copies, never originals, and keep a proof of posting.
The appeal process
- 1
Challenge within 14 days
If the council rejects an early challenge, most authorities keep the 50% discount open for a further 14 days from the date of their decision.
- 2
Formal representations
Made after a Notice to Owner arrives, within 28 days, and decided against the statutory grounds.
- 3
Independent adjudicator
London boroughs go to London Tribunals, the rest of England and Wales to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal. Free for motorists.
Common questions
What does contravention code 19 mean?
Code 19 means parked displaying an invalid permit, voucher or clock. It is a parking contravention enforced by a council under the Traffic Management Act 2004, and it appears on your Penalty Charge Notice next to the description of the alleged contravention.
Can I appeal a code 19 PCN?
Yes, and it costs nothing. Challenge the council first, ideally within 14 days so the 50% discount is protected. If they reject you, a Notice to Owner follows, then formal representations, and finally a free appeal to an independent adjudicator.
How much is a code 19 penalty?
Council penalty charges generally run from £60 to £130 depending on the authority and whether the contravention is treated as higher or lower level. Paying within 14 days usually halves it. Challenging in that window normally protects the discount if you are rejected, but confirm it in writing.
What evidence should I send with a code 19 appeal?
The permit and its renewal confirmation. A photograph showing how the permit was displayed.
Write your appeal for code 19
Pick your council, enter the code, and Voidly applies the right statutory ground automatically.
Start my appealRelated parking codes
- Code 01 — Parked in a restricted street during prescribed hours
- Code 02 — Parked or loading where loading restrictions are in force
- Code 05 — Parked after the expiry of paid-for time
- Code 06 — Parked without clearly displaying a valid pay and display ticket
- Code 07 — Parked with additional payment made to extend the stay
- Code 12 — Parked in a residents' or shared-use bay without a valid permit
- Code 16 — Parked in a permit space without displaying a valid permit
- Code 21 — Parked in a suspended bay or space
Voidly produces a draft letter to help you appeal. It is not legal advice. Codes and their interpretation vary between authorities, so always check the description printed on your own notice.