The RAC has issued a warning to drivers about the importance of understanding the difference between two types of parking fines that share the same three-letter acronym: PCN. While both can result in a financial penalty, they are issued by different entities and under different circumstances. The motoring organization has clarified the distinction to help motorists know when a charge must be paid and to avoid being caught out by the similar terminology.
Penalty Charge Notice vs. Parking Charge Notice
A Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) is issued by local councils for parking violations on public roads or council-owned land. In contrast, a Parking Charge Notice (also abbreviated as PCN) is issued by private parking companies when drivers park on private land. The RAC’s Head of Policy, Simon Williams, explained that a council-issued PCN is a fine that must be paid, whereas a private Parking Charge Notice is an invoice for an alleged breach of contract. He noted that both notices often appear in identical bright yellow envelopes on windscreens, which can cause confusion. The RAC suspects this similarity is deliberate. Williams added that drivers support changing the name of private Parking Charge Notices to clarify the legal difference.
Appeals and Consumer Advice
The RAC’s Consumer Editor, Barney Cotton, advised that drivers can appeal private Parking Charge Notices to either the Independent Appeals Service or Parking on Private Land Appeals (POPLA). New RAC research indicates that about half of drivers are unaware of the difference between the two types of PCNs, with their similar appearances contributing to the confusion.
In related news, research from Go Compare reveals that parking in a garage may actually increase car insurance premiums. The average annual premium for garage parking is £647, compared to £623 for other locations. Go Compare spokesperson Tom Banks suggested this could be due to cars getting larger, increasing the risk of scrapes and bumps while parking in garages, which drives up premiums.
