Appeals go to the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service
How to challenge a Aberdeen City Council PCN
The Aberdeen City Council challenge page is linked just below. Before you open it, it is worth knowing how to keep the discount and what to write, because the first challenge is the easiest one to win.
Official Aberdeen City Council challenge page
aberdeencity.gov.ukThis opens the council's own site. Voidly is independent and cannot see your PCN on their system.
- Discount period
- 14 days, or 21 if a camera ticket came by post
- If rejected
- the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service
- parkingappeals@aberdeencity.gov.uk
- Challenge by post
- Parking and Bus Lane Appeals Team, PO Box 10505, Aberdeen, AB12 9EWchecked 2026-09-14
Worth knowing
Scottish appeals are decided by the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service. Allow up to 56 days for a response.
New rules announced October 2026
The new private parking rules do not cover council PCNs
The government's new code only applies to private car parks. Council tickets still follow the Traffic Management Act and the tribunal process on this page.
Read the new rulesTakes about two minutes. Paste the letter into aberdeencity.gov.uk. No account, nothing stored.
Three things most people do not know
Challenging does not usually cost you the discount. If you challenge inside the discount period and Aberdeen City Council says no, most councils reopen the lower amount for a further 14 days. You get to argue first and still pay the reduced sum if you lose.
Councils can cancel even if you did park there. Private companies rarely bend. Councils are expected to consider compelling reasons, such as a medical emergency, a breakdown or a bereavement. Say what happened in two or three sentences and attach proof.
Scotland runs its own process. The stages and some deadlines differ from England and Wales. Follow the dates on your notice rather than general UK advice you find online.
The three stages
- 1
Informal challenge
Made before a Notice to Owner is issued. Do it inside the discount period and most authorities keep the 50% discount open for a further 14 days if they say no.
- 2
Formal representations
Made after a Notice to Owner arrives, within 28 days. These must be decided against the statutory grounds.
- 3
Appeal to the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service
Free, independent, and available once you have a Notice of Rejection.
Grounds worth checking first
The contravention did not occur
Ask Aberdeen City Council for the enforcement officer's notes made at the time, all photographs, and the Traffic Regulation Order in force that day.
Signs or markings were not compliant
They must meet the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions and be visible to a driver taking reasonable care. Faded lines and hidden plates are common.
You were loading or unloading
Most restrictions carry a loading exemption, and a pause in activity while goods are carried does not end it.
You held a valid permit
If a permit was validly held and registered, no contravention occurred, even if it was not on display.
Procedural impropriety
If the notice arrived far later than it should have, or is missing required information, the authority may have failed a statutory requirement.
Common questions
How do I challenge a Aberdeen City Council PCN?
Challenge in writing as soon as possible. Aberdeen City Council takes challenges online at https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/roads-transport-and-parking/appeal-a-parking-penalty-charge-notice. If you challenge within the discount period and Aberdeen City Council rejects it, most councils reopen the 50% discount for a further 14 days. You cannot challenge by telephone.
Can Aberdeen City Council cancel a PCN even if I did park there?
Yes. Unlike a private parking company, a council is expected to use its discretion and consider compelling reasons, such as a medical emergency, a breakdown or a bereavement, even where the contravention technically happened. Explain the circumstances briefly and attach proof.
Do the new 2026 parking rules apply to a Aberdeen City Council PCN?
No. The Private Parking Code of Practice announced in October 2026 only covers private car parks. Council Penalty Charge Notices still follow the Traffic Management Act 2004, the statutory grounds and the independent tribunal process.
What are the statutory grounds for challenging a PCN?
The grounds include that the contravention did not occur, that you were not the owner at the time, that the vehicle had been taken without consent, that the penalty exceeded the amount applicable, that the Traffic Regulation Order is invalid, and procedural impropriety by the authority. Unclear or non-compliant signs and road markings usually fall under the first ground.
What happens after a Notice to Owner?
If you do not pay or challenge within 28 days, Aberdeen City Council sends a Notice to Owner. You then make formal representations. If those are rejected, you get a Notice of Rejection which unlocks the right to appeal to the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service.
Does appealing cost anything?
No. Challenging the council is free, and an appeal to the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service is free for motorists. The only risk is that if you lose after the discount period has passed, you pay the full amount.
Write your Aberdeen City Council challenge now
Answer a few questions and get a letter citing the right statutory ground for your situation.
Start my challengeOther councils
Voidly is an independent free tool and is not connected to Aberdeen City Council. It produces a draft letter to help you appeal and is not legal advice. Always check the letter and the deadline on your notice before sending. Addresses are checked periodically but can change, so use the one printed on your notice.