Parking fines (PCNs)

On 31 March 2008, part of the Traffic Management Act 2004 (TMA) replaced the Road Traffic Act 1991 as the primary legislation for parking enforcement in England and Wales. The primary purpose of penalty charges is to encourage compliance with parking restrictions.

Penalties

All Kent and East Sussex local authorities will charge £70.00 for a higher rate penalty charge notice and £50.00 for the lower rate.

Each penalty will be discounted by 50% if payment is received no later than the end of the fourteenth day following the date of service (issue) of the PCN.

This section provides guidance on what to do if you receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), details of the full PCN process, and the higher and lower rate contraventions.

How to tell who has issued you a PCN

Hastings Borough Council is responsible for the off street (car parks) parking enforcement only.

East Sussex County Council is responsible for all on-street parking matters including enforcement.

If you have received a Penalty Charge Notice and the reference number starts with ZH it has been issued by ESCC.

If the reference number starts with HS it has been issued by Hastings Borough Council and you should follow the instructions below.