parking contravention
Parked on a taxi rank
This contravention is enforced under the Traffic Management Act 2004. The council must be able to prove the restriction was properly signed, properly ordered and correctly observed on the day.
No account, no card, nothing stored.
Grounds that work against code 45
The contravention did not occur
Ask the council for the enforcement officer's contemporaneous notes, every photograph taken, and the Traffic Regulation Order in force on that date. If any of the three is missing or inconsistent, say so.
Signs or markings were not compliant
Signs and road markings must meet the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions and be visible to a driver taking reasonable care. Faded lines, obscured plates and missing repeaters are common.
Evidence to attach
- A copy of the Penalty Charge Notice
- Photographs of the signs and road markings at the exact location
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 45 mean?
Code 45 means parked on a taxi rank. 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 45 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 45 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 45 appeal?
A copy of the Penalty Charge Notice. Photographs of the signs and road markings at the exact location.
Write your appeal for code 45
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 12 — Parked in a residents' or shared-use bay without a valid permit
- Code 16 — Parked in a permit space without displaying a valid permit
- Code 19 — Parked displaying an invalid permit, voucher or clock
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.