If you’re reading this page, it’s likely that you or someone you care about has recently received a fine – and you want to know what your options are.
There are different types of fines in the UK, with the most common being fines from a local council, from the police or from private parking companies.
Below you will find relevant information on the different types of fines from these groups and how to deal with them, including appeals processes.
Council and Police Fines
What are council fines?
Council fines are fines issued by a local authority to people who live within the council’s area, or to people who have driven in the council area.
The most common type of council fine is issued to motorists for bus lane contraventions and parking contraventions on public land, known as a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). Another council fine you might have received is a council littering fine.
If you want to know more about council fines and how to deal with them jump on over to our page discussing council fines in more detail.
What are police fines?
Police fines are any fines issued by a police officer or police force. You can be given a penalty fine from the police for your behaviour in public, but the most common police fines are given to motorists who commit road offences, such as speeding.
The name of these fines is a Fixed Penalty Notice, and you can learn more about them and how to deal with them on our police fines page.
Private Parking Fines
What are private parking fines?
Private parking fines are issued by car park operators to motorists who are deemed to have breached the terms and conditions of using a private car park, such as not paying or overstaying.
The official name of these fines are Parking Charge Notices, but they shouldn’t be confused with Penalty Charge Notice parking fines from a local council. They’re not the same!
If you’ve received a private parking fine and want to know how to deal with it, you’ll find top tips and support on our private parking fines page.