This form provides guidance on numerous parking related topics and enquiries, including next steps where appropriate.So we can assist you, select which topic you require help with from the dropdown menu below.
You can appeal a PCN online or by post. We do not accept appeals over the phone.
Before you continue, you may find the answer on our appeals page.
Important to know
If you feel the Penalty Charge Notice has been wrongly issued you can appeal online.
We aim to respond to appeals within 14 days. During busy periods this may take slightly longer.
If you still need help, you can continue with this form.
You can pay a PCN:
If your case has been passed to enforcement agents, you must contact them directly to make payment. We can no longer accept payment once enforcement action has started.
If you are having difficulty paying online and do not have internet access, you can visit your local library for free digital support.
Discount period
After this, the full charge applies.
If you have already submitted an appeal, your case will be placed on hold while we review it.
If you have lost your PCN, you can request your PCN reference number. You will need your vehicle registration number to continue.
If you received a ‘Notice to Owner’ but did not find a PCN on your vehicle, you can still submit an appeal online.
Check your DVLA details
PCNs sent by post are issued to the address registered with the DVLA.
If your address is not up to date, you must update your:
Updates are free and can be done online or by post.
We do not send PCN fines by text message.
A genuine PCN is:
If you receive a text message asking for payment, it is a scam. Do not click any links.
A Trafford PCN reference number begins with TR followed by eight numbers.
You can check your PCN safely at pcnportal.trafford.gov.uk.
Each PCN shows the date, time and location of the contravention.
You may receive more than one PCN if:
If you believe multiple PCNs were issued for the same contravention at the same time, you can explain this in an appeal. Each case is reviewed individually.
In most cases, we will only enforce one PCN for the same contravention on the same day if the vehicle has not moved.
When paying online, make sure you enter the correct PCN reference number.
If a PCN remains unpaid after several notices, it may be passed to enforcement agents.
Before this happens, we send at least three notices giving you the opportunity to pay or appeal.
Once enforcement action has started:
Their contact details will be on your Notice of Enforcement.
If you are experiencing financial difficulty, you can ask to speak to their welfare team on 0345 601 2692.
We are no longer able to take payment or agree payment plans once a case has been passed to enforcement agents.
If you appeal within the discount period and your appeal is not accepted, the reduced charge is usually offered again.
All letters we send explain:
If you are close to a deadline, you can still submit an appeal or make payment online.
The registered keeper of the vehicle is legally responsible for the PCN, even if someone else was driving at the time.
If another person was using the vehicle, any private payment arrangements must be resolved between you and that person.
If you believe the PCN was issued incorrectly, you can submit an appeal.
Blue Badge holders have certain parking concessions on street.
However, a PCN may still be issued if:
Blue Badge holders are not exempt from permit parking restrictions in Trafford.
When appealing, include:
You can apply online through your parking account.
When you apply, you will see:
You will need to upload:
Before continuing, you may find it helpful to read our step by step guide.
If you are having difficulty using the system, you can continue with this form.
If your application was rejected, you will have received an email explaining why.
Common reasons include:
Proof of address must show:
Examples include:
Proof of vehicle must show:
If you upload clear and complete documents, applications are usually processed within one to two working days.We also suggest you review the information on Company, lease or work vehicles for further information if applicable. You can access this information via the above dropdown menu.
We send reminder emails:
Renewal reminders are sent from Donotreply-traffordcouncil@paysmarti.co.uk
To renew:
If your permit has already expired, you will need to submit a new application.
You can check your application status in your online account under My Applications.
Applications are usually processed within one to two working days.
If your application shows as awaiting review, it means it is in the queue to be checked.
If your application shows as issued, your permit is active and you can park in your zone.
Avoid submitting duplicate enquiries, as this may delay processing.
Visitor permits allow your guests to park within your permit zone.
You must:
If you are unsure how to activate a session, you may find our step by step guide helpful.
Event day restrictions apply:
This applies near:
Specific permit zones are affected on event days. You can view the full list of zones and upcoming restrictions on our website.
Permits must be active during this time.
Outside event hours, usual parking restrictions apply.
If you live within an event zone, you can check your eligibility and apply through your online account.
Permit eligibility depends on:
In most cases:
If your address has reached the maximum number of permits allowed, additional vehicles must park elsewhere.
There are no exceptions to the maximum number of permits allowed at an address.
If you are a Blue Badge holder and live in a permit zone, you may be eligible for a resident permit for a specific vehicle only. The cost of this permit is £8.
This also applies if the badge holder:
Permits are limited to one per property.
When applying online:
If you require a permit for a regular carer, please request an application form by selecting "No, I still need help" in the "Did this answer your question?" section and completing your contact details. A member of the team will then provide you with the relevant application form and further guidance.When applying for a carer’s permit, you must provide:
If you use:
For a company vehicle, you must upload:
For a leased vehicle, you must upload:
Contractors cannot use a resident permit and must make their own parking arrangements.
If you have a short-term courtesy vehicle due to repairs:
Contact us using this form and upload:
We can apply a temporary arrangement.
For longer term vehicle changes, update your vehicle details through your online account.
Permits are linked to the property they are issued to.
They:
If you move:
Refunds are not available for unused time.
If you cannot access the internet or need support:
We aim to make our services accessible to everyone.
If you have two vehicles linked to one permit:
To do this:
If the parked vehicle is not selected as active, a PCN may be issued.
Changes may not update instantly, so plan ahead.
If you are experiencing technical issues, tell us:
What you were trying to do
The page where the issue occurred
Any error message shown
The device and browser you were using
You can upload a screenshot if helpful.
There is no alternative way to complete applications outside the online system unless you require accessibility support.
If your issue relates to a payment or deadline, explain this clearly in your message.
Use this option to report:
Vehicles parked in contravention
Obstruction issues
Misuse of permits
You will need to provide:
The full location, including postcode
The vehicle registration if known
Whether the vehicle is currently parked
Times when the vehicle is usually parked
Photographic evidence of the issue
If the vehicle is present when you submit your report, we will try to attend.
If it is present at specific times, we may monitor the location.
We cannot guarantee immediate attendance.
The quickest way to check your zone and eligibility is to:
Log into your parking account
Enter your address
View your permit details
Permit zone maps and details are available on our website.
If you are still unsure after checking, you can complete this form.
If you have already submitted an enquiry:
Do not submit another form
Duplicate enquiries may delay our response
We aim to respond within 14 days. During busy periods this may take slightly longer.
If your enquiry relates to a PCN deadline, you should submit your appeal or make payment online to avoid escalation.
If you need to provide additional information, include your previous reference number in this form.
Before submitting this form, check:
The Penalty Charge Notice section
The Parking Permit section
You can select these sections using the dropdown above. Most enquiries are answered there.
If you still need help, complete this form and include:
Your full name
Your email address
A telephone number if you would like us to call you
Full details of your enquiry
We aim to respond within 14 days. During busy periods, this may take slightly longer.
Submitting this form does not pause PCN payment or enforcement deadlines.
