General Advice & Guidance 

We will issue a penalty charge notice (PCN) to any motorist who does not comply with the relevant parking regulations 

You will be able to appeal the charge if you believe it has been wrongly issued. A challenge may be made in writing within 28 days of the date of issue. The South Wales Parking Group (SWPG) will either accept the reason(s) for challenge and cancel the PCN after reviewing all of the evidence provided by the Civil Enforcement Officer (CEO), i.e. photographs and any written notes or reject the challenge and issue a Notice to Owner (NtO). A further representation may be made once the NtO has been served. The NtO will set out the grounds for making a representation and the manner in which the representation must be made.  

If the SWPG rejects the further representation, you will then have the right to appeal the decision at the Traffic Penalty Tribunal (TPT). The TPT provides independent adjudication on any PCNs issued and contested.  

However, an appeal to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal is the final stage in the challenge process. This can only be arranged after you have gone all the way through the challenge process with the SWPG and you have received a formal Notice of Rejection (NoR) of representations.  

Reasons for Challenging 

You can find the reasons for challenging a PCN on the Traffic Penalty Tribunal website. Grounds of appeal PCNs – Traffic Penalty Tribunal website 

How to challenge a PCN 

If you challenge a PCN within the 14 day reduced rate period and your challenge is rejected, SWPG may extend the period within which the reduced rate penalty charge can be paid. 

You cannot appeal a PCN if you have paid it because payment is taken to be an acceptance of the notice.  

There are two stages of challenge – informal and formal representation: 

An informal challenge can be made within 28 days of the date of issue.  

A formal representation can be made after a ‘Notice to Owner’ (NoR) has been served to the registered owner of the vehicle.  

When challenging a PCN please make sure you include your name, address and contact details so that SWPG can reply. 

Informal challenge online 

Use the online system to make an informal challenge at www.swpg.co.uk. You’ll need to enter the PCN number and your vehicle registration number. You’ll then be able to view the photographs or videos taken of the vehicle and make an appeal  

Formal representation online 

If you have received a Notice to Owner (NtO) letter from South Wales Parking Group (SWPG) you have 28 days beginning with the date on which the notice was served, to either make a formal representation or pay the outstanding charge. If you do not pay the charge or make representations with the 28 day period specified, the charge may increase by 50% and steps will be made to enforce payment.  

You are able to view your PCN photographs associated with your case by entering the PCN number on South Wales Parking Group Website www.swpg.co.uk this may assist you if you do decide to make your formal representations.  

Making a challenge by post 

You can also make an informal challenge or formal representation by writing to: SWPG, PO Box 112, Pontypridd, CF37 9EL. Verbal challenges will not be accepted.  

If your formal representation is rejected, SWPG will send you a notice of rejection (NoR) with information on the appeals process and a form you can use if you want to appeal. The appeal will be dealt with by the Traffic Penalty Tribunal, an independent body who will make a final decision that is then binding. Traffic Penalty Tribunal website