parking contravention
Parked for longer than permitted
Code 30 is issued for staying longer than permitted, usually in a limited-waiting bay. The council must prove both the start and the end of the period observed.
No account, no card, nothing stored.
Grounds that work against code 30
The observation is unreliable
Ask for both timestamped photographs and the officer's notes. A single photograph cannot establish how long a vehicle was present.
The overstay was minimal
A few minutes over a limited-waiting period is worth raising as disproportionate, particularly where the bay was not clearly signed with its duration.
Evidence to attach
- Any receipt showing when you arrived or left
- Photographs of the bay sign showing the permitted duration
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 30 mean?
Code 30 means parked for longer than permitted. 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 30 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 30 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 30 appeal?
Any receipt showing when you arrived or left. Photographs of the bay sign showing the permitted duration.
Write your appeal for code 30
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 19 — Parked displaying an invalid permit, voucher or clock
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.