Parking penalty charges, referred to as penalty charge notices (PCN), are given out when a motorist is in breach of parking law.

How do I pay?

Pay your penalty charge notice online

Tel: 01444-477-212 – option 1 (office hours)
Tel: 
0330-088-9360 (24 hour automated service)

Please note:  We do not accept payment from American Express, Diners Club or JCB.

Paying early

If you pay early – no later than 14 days after receiving the parking penalty – the charge will be reduced. Please look at your Penalty Charge Notice for more details.

If you feel the penalty charge has been given to your vehicle by mistake you may make an appeal. See below.

What happens if I don’t pay?

The owner of the vehicle is liable under law to pay the penalty charge notice. We will find the name and address of the owner from the Driving Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and send them a formal written notice.

Please note: If the penalty charge is not paid – the charge will increase. We will then take action to legally recover the charge. This could include using an enforcement agent - which used to be known as a bailiff.

Can I appeal the parking penalty?

Yes.

Challenge (first 28 days only)

Appeal your penalty charge notice online


Write to:
Parking Services
Mid Sussex District Council
Oaklands, Oaklands Road
Haywards Heath
West Sussex
RH16 1SS

Please note: If you challenge the parking penalty within the first 14 days we may re-offer the discount for a further 14 days. We only re-offer the discount once.

Representation when we send you a 'Notice to Owner' in the post

Make a representation against the parking penalty charge


Write to: Parking Services using the address above

Appeal to a Tribunal

Appeal to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal

 

Please note: You may only do this if we have rejected your representation. The Tribunal’s decision is final.

Instalment payments for penalty charge notices (PCNs)

Payments by instalment will no longer be accepted for the following reasons:

  • The cost of administering the system: officers spent a disproportionate amount of time arranging instalment plans, monitoring payments and chasing late payments
  • Many customers who had been allowed instalment plans failed to adhere to them
  • Only short term instalments could be allowed to keep within the statutory PCN timescales
  • The legislation under which parking enforcement is undertaken, the Traffic Management Act 2004, clearly states that in order for a case to be closed, full payment must be made within certain timescales. This legislation does not provide the motorist with the opportunity to settle a case over any period of time other than that stated within the legislation. It is the Council’s experience that those seeking instalment plans wish to do so over a longer period than could be allowed under this Act.
  • Payment arrangements could not be allowed during the discounted period as legislation states that the discounted period only lasts for 14 days.
  • The penalty is issued to deter motorists from parking in contravention of the traffic regulations. The deterrent may be compromised if small repayments, or long term payment arrangements, are accepted in settlement of such notices.
Last updated: 21 August 2023