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Pay a Penalty Charge Notice (parking ticket)

Find out how you can pay a Penalty Charge Notice (parking ticket).

Fraudulent PCN payment text messages and QR code scam

We are aware that people are getting fake text messages asking for penalty charge payments with a link. We will never ask for payments via text. Penalty charge notices are either placed on your vehicle or sent by post. If you get such a text, block the sender and report it to Action Fraud.

Also, fake QR codes have been found in some of our car parks. We don’t use QR codes for parking payments. You should only use our pay and display machines or the RingGo app. If you see any QR codes in our car parks, please call us at 01803 207695.

Please note: If you pay your PCN, the case will be closed and you will no longer be able to appeal the PCN.

The registered keeper/owner of the vehicle is legally responsible for payments or appeals against a parking ticket, or Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) as they are officially called.

The amount you have to pay is clearly stated on the PCN. The penalty charge is reduced by 50% if you pay no later than the fourteenth day after receiving the PCN. If we do not receive payment within the 14 calendar days discount period you will have to pay the full amount.

You can pay your PCN online. Make sure you have your debit or credit card details and the PCN number available before you start.

  Pay a parking ticket (PCN)

If you feel that the PCN was issued incorrectly, you can appeal against it. If you have lost your penalty charge notice, you can recover the details by reporting it to us.

  Report a lost parking ticket

Other ways to pay

By post

Send a cheque or postal order made payable to 'Torbay Council' to:

Exchequer Services
Torbay Council
Castle Circus
Torquay
TQ1 3DR

Please write the PCN number and your address on the reverse of the cheque.

By telephone

Call our 24 hour automated payment line on 03300 887 984. Please ensure you have your PCN number and credit or debit card available when calling.

By arrangement

It may be possible to set up an arrangement for you to pay any outstanding penalty charges where the 14 day discount period has ended.

  Make a payment arrangement

What happens if I don't pay?

If we do not receive a payment within 14 calendar days from the date the notice was issued the offer to pay at the discounted rate of 50% will expire and the notice will become payable in full.

If we have still not received payment after 28 calendar days from the date the notice was issued a Notice to Owner will be sent to the registered keeper of the vehicle reminding them of the notice and offering the opportunity to make formal representations (an appeal).

If no formal representations have been received after 28 calendar days from the date the Notice to Owner was sent and the notice remains unpaid a Charge Certificate will be sent to the registered keeper of the vehicle. The outstanding amount will increase by a further 50%. You no longer have the right to challenge the PCN at this stage.

If the notice remains unpaid after a further 14 calendar days from the date the Charge Certificate was sent the charge will be registered at the County Court and an Order for Recovery will be sent to the registered keeper of the vehicle. The registered keeper will be liable for any court costs incurred in this process.

If the notice remains unpaid at this stage the Council may allocate this to an Enforcement Agent for collection, who are entitled to add their own costs as per current legislation.

If you intend to pay a PCN you must make sure it is paid in full to avoid any further charges. If you are in any doubt as to how much you should pay you should contact us directly and an advisor will be able to help.

This page was last updated over three months ago

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