Don’t Let PCNs Eat Into Your Earnings – Learn How to Avoid Them
Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) are fines issued for traffic or parking-related violations. If you are a PCO driver, these fines can have a serious impact on your income. Worse, if you accumulate PCNs and don’t pay them on time, it can affect your licence status. That’s why you should try to avoid PCNs at all costs.
In this article, we will explain the common reasons drivers get PCNs and how to avoid them.
Note: Drivers who hire their vehicles through a PCO car hire service are responsible for paying their PCNs, not the provider.
Article Highlights
Here are the common reasons that could lead to PCNs:
- Not paying airport drop-off charges
- Bus lane violation
- Stopping at box junctions, and more.
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Airport Drop Off Charges
- Most major London airports, including Heathrow, Luton, Gatwick, and Stansted, charge a fee for using express drop-off zones.
- These zones are meant for quick use. Staying too long can result in a PCN of £80 to £100, which can be reduced by 50% if paid within 14 days.
- The goal of airport drop-off charges is to reduce congestion and collect revenue to support airport infrastructure.
How to Avoid?
- Exit the drop-off zone as soon as the passenger leaves your car.
- Pay the drop-off fee within 24 hours of using the zone.
- Set up an AutoPay account to ensure you never miss a payment.
Bus Lanes
- Using bus lanes during operational hours can lead to a PCN of up to £160.
- The PCN is reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days.
- Even brief use, such as to get around traffic, is enough to trigger a PCN, as most bus lanes are monitored by cameras.
- You can only use bus lanes to enter or exit a property or side road.
- You can also use them when buses are not operating.
How to Avoid?
- Always follow the signs near a bus lane entrance.
- See who can use the lanes (local buses, black cabs, cyclists, motorcyclists, etc.)
- If Uber drivers or PHVs are not listed, then you cannot use the lane.
- Use tools like Citymapper to see live restrictions.
At Fleeto, we go beyond just hiring out PCO vehicles. Our goal is to support our drivers in every area that affects their income, including avoiding unnecessary PCNs.
We regularly share updates, tips, and real-world insights so you can stay one step ahead of costly fines. From advising when to pay certain charges to explaining which PCNs are not transferable under our terms, we make sure you’re driving with clarity and confidence.
Box Junctions
A box junction consists of a yellow grid of criss-cross lines often painted at busy intersections.
- A box junction PCN is issued when your vehicle enters the yellow box without being able to exit it immediately.
- A box junction PCN is £130, which can be reduced to £65 if paid within 14 days.
- Box junctions are designed to keep traffic moving at busy intersections.
- Exception: You can only wait inside the box if you are turning right and your exit is blocked by the oncoming traffic.
How to Avoid?
- Never enter the box unless your exit is obvious.
- Know where the box junctions are.
- Ignore pressure from drivers behind when waiting to enter the box.
Overstaying at Charging Points or Car Parks
EV charging operators impose overstaying fines to make sure their charging points are available to other users. For instance:
- BP Pulse charges an overstay fee of £10 to anyone using their 50kW or 150kW chargers for more than 90 minutes.
- ESB has an overstay fee of £8 on rapid charging sessions that last longer than 60 minutes.
Many supermarkets and retail parks also enforce a maximum stay period. Parking beyond the time limit can result in a fine.
How to Avoid?
- Read the signage before entering any car park.
- Don’t always charge the battery to 100%. Most drivers only charge up to 80%-90%. The last 10% usually takes quite a long time to charge.
Speeding or Running a Red Light
- Speed cameras operate across London 24/7.
- Exceeding the speed limit can result in a PCN of up to £100.
- Failing to stop at a red traffic signal can also lead to a PCN.
In addition to PCNs, committing these offences can add points to your licence or lead to disqualification.
How to Avoid?
- Be aware of the speed limits in the areas you drive.
- Don’t cross the stop line when the light is red. Even slightly crossing the line when the light is red could result in a fine.
- Avoid rushing through a changing light.
Driving in ULEZ/Congestion Zones Without Paying the Daily Charge
The Ultra Low Emission Zone aims to tackle air pollution by charging a fee for every non-electric vehicle entering the ULEZ. The charge is £12.50 per day. Similarly, the Congestion Charge (£15/day) aims to reduce traffic in central London. Driving in these zones without paying the daily charges can result in a PCN of £180, which can be reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days.
How to Avoid?
- Drive an electric vehicle.
- Register with Auto Pay for automatic deductions. This helps avoid forgetting and getting fined.
- Know when the charges apply.
- The ULEZ Charge applies 24/7 except on Christmas Day.
- The Congestion Charge applies during certain hours of the day. You can read our guide on the Congestion Charge to know when it applies.
- Check both ULEZ and Congestion Charge schedules regularly, as they may change.
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Conclusion
Avoiding PCNs is one of the easiest ways to protect your income, and it all starts with good habits and the right guidance. You just need to stay aware of the high-risk zones, use the relevant tools, and avoid ignoring road signs. If you still receive a PCN despite taking precautions, pay it promptly to maintain a clean record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do PCNs affect your history?
PCNs do not affect your criminal record unless a court convicts you because of one.
Can I appeal a PCN?
Yes, you can appeal a PCN. However, you will need to show a genuine proof like photos or witness statements to improve your chances of success.
Is it possible to receive multiple PCNs?
You can receive multiple PCNs if a violation continues for an extended period. For instance, if you parked your vehicle in a restricted area for several hours, you could receive one PCN per hour or a similar interval.
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