parking contravention
Parked in a residents' or shared-use bay without a valid permit
Code 12 is issued in a residents' or shared-use bay where no valid permit was shown. If a permit was validly held, no contravention occurred at all, even if it was not on display.
No account, no card, nothing stored.
Grounds that work against code 12
A valid permit was held
Where a permit is registered against the vehicle, the contravention did not occur. A failure to display, or a delay in the council's permit register updating, does not create one. Ask them to check their own records for your registration on that date.
The bay was not properly signed
Residents' bays need clear bay markings and signs stating the permit type and the hours. Ask for dated photographs and the Traffic Regulation Order.
Evidence to attach
- A copy of the permit showing the registration and valid dates
- Your permit account confirmation or renewal email
- Photographs of the bay markings and signs
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 12 mean?
Code 12 means parked in a residents' or shared-use bay without a valid permit. 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 12 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 12 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 12 appeal?
A copy of the permit showing the registration and valid dates. Your permit account confirmation or renewal email. Photographs of the bay markings and signs.
Write your appeal for code 12
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 16 — Parked in a permit space without displaying a valid permit
- Code 19 — Parked displaying an invalid permit, voucher or clock
- Code 21 — Parked in a suspended bay or space
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.