Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs)
Councils are reviewing Penalty Charge Notice systems and addressing enforcement challenges, particularly around school zones.
Havering Council's Place Overview & Scrutiny Sub Committee decided in September 2026 to review the borough's parking enforcement procedures, with a specific focus on the Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) system. Councillor Alex Donald proposed this process review to examine the current system.
Brent Council is facing scrutiny over the clarity of signage and fairness of enforcement for the 73,018 Penalty Charge Notices issued under its School Streets schemes in the last 12 months, as Councillor Michael Maurice questioned the Cabinet Member for Cleaner Streets, Transport & Public Realm in July 2026. Bromley Council also discussed challenges in July 2026 regarding issuing PCNs for vehicles stopping on school zigzags, with eight such notices issued between April 2024 and May 2026.
Hillingdon Council's Residents' Services Select Committee began discussions in July 2026 on potential future policy review topics and reviewed the draft Parking Annual Report for 2025/26. Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) are fines issued for parking contraventions or moving traffic offences.
Key facts
- Havering Council's Place Overview & Scrutiny Sub Committee decided to review the PCN system in September 2026. Source
- Brent Council issued 73,018 PCNs across school streets in the last 12 months, as stated in July 2026. Source
- Bromley Council issued eight PCNs for zigzag violations outside schools between April 2024 and May 2026. Source
- Bromley Council's Executive discussed challenges in issuing PCNs for zigzag violations in July 2026. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.