Applies to private parking charges and council PCNs
You had a Blue Badge
If a valid Blue Badge was displayed, no contravention occurred. If it had slipped or was face down, the badge was still held and the argument is a display failure rather than a failure to qualify.
No account, no card, nothing stored.
Why this works
Contravention code 40 is the council version
Parking in a disabled bay without a valid badge. If the badge was valid and displayed, the contravention simply did not occur.
Yellow lines usually permit Blue Badge parking
In most areas a badge holder may park on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours unless a loading ban applies.
Private sites are not exempt from the Equality Act
Ask the operator what reasonable adjustments it makes for disabled users at the site and how they were applied here.
Evidence to attach
- A copy of both sides of the badge showing the number and expiry
- A photograph of how the badge was displayed if you have one
- The clock face if a time clock was required
More appeals fail on missing evidence than on weak arguments. Send copies, never originals, and keep a proof of posting.
Common questions
Can I appeal a parking ticket if a Blue Badge was displayed?
Blue Badge concessions apply on most council land and at many private sites. Operators also owe duties to disabled users under the Equality Act 2010. Challenging costs nothing, and if the issuer rejects you the escalation to an independent adjudicator is also free.
How long do I have to appeal?
Usually 28 days from the date on the notice, but the deadline that matters is often 14 days. Challenge within that window and most councils keep the 50% discount open for a further 14 days if they reject you. Private operators normally offer a reduced sum for the same period.
What evidence should I send?
A copy of both sides of the badge showing the number and expiry. A photograph of how the badge was displayed if you have one. The clock face if a time clock was required.
Does it cost anything to appeal?
No. Challenging the issuer is free, and escalating to POPLA, the Independent Appeals Service, the Traffic Penalty Tribunal or London Tribunals is free for motorists. Voidly does not charge you either.
Write your appeal now
Answer a few questions and Voidly assembles the right grounds for your case, with a checklist of what to attach.
Start my appealOther reasons people appeal
- The signs were not clear
- The notice arrived too late
- You were not the driver
- You paid but mistyped your registration
- Your vehicle was never at that location
- You were only a few minutes over
- The payment machine was not working
- You were at a hospital
Voidly produces a draft letter to help you appeal. It is not legal advice. Always check the letter and the deadline on your notice before sending.