Pay a bus lane Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)
Enforcement of bus lanes is carried out by number-plate recognition cameras. The camera takes a recording of all vehicles using the bus lane. After identifying vehicles not allowed to use the bus lane, an evidence pack is assembled and a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) is issued by post. A PCN will be issued on any vehicle considered to be using the bus lane when they are not permitted to.
Even with a Blue Badge (disabled), parking is not allowed in a bus lane when it's in operation.
Enforcement takes place in Market Street, Wellingborough town centre (bus gate) from Monday to Saturday, 9am to 4:30pm
Cost
A bus lane contravention penalty charge is £70, reduced to £35 if paid with 21 days.
Failure to pay within 28 days of the date of service of the PCN (deemed to be 2 working days after posting), may lead to further increases in the PCN amount, debt registration and ultimately enforcement.
Pay
When paying:
- you should not make payment if you want to appeal because payment is acceptance of liability. By making payment you are admitting the ticket was right. Payment will close the case and no further communication will be considered
- please enter each PCN number individually if you are paying more than one charge
- we do not accept payment by instalments, cash or by Visa Electron or American Express (please see below)
Online
Pay by credit or debit card using our online payments system:
Phone
Call our 24-hour automated line on 0300 373 1022 (option 1).
Post
Please ensure:
- you quote the PCN number on the back of the cheque or postal order
- you allow 2 working days for 1st class post and 5 working days for 2nd class post
- if you would like a receipt, you enclose a stamped addressed envelope
To pay by cheque or postal order, please make payable to North Northamptonshire Council and post to the following address:
North Northamptonshire Council
PO Box 352
Sheffield
S98 1YE
Further information
Unpaid PCNs are a civil debt recoverable in the same way as any other debt. We employ Enforcement Agents to recover unpaid parking debt.
If you have been contacted by an Enforcement Agent please ensure that payment is made to them. We will not accept payment for any PCNs that have reached this stage.
The money raised from enforcement is used to fund the cost of the service. Any surplus raised is used for highway and environmental improvements.
Civil Enforcement Officers do not receive bonuses for the number of the PCNs they issue.
The purpose of the enforcement guidelines is to:
- deliver a high quality parking service to road users in a fair and consistent way
- ensure clarity of enforcement requirements and parking policy
- have a single point in which enforcement policy is documented and updated when changes occur
Public authorities must take steps to remove the barriers faced due to disabilities when they carry out their work. The Equality Act 2010 calls this the duty to make reasonable adjustments.
We have a duty to make reasonable adjustments if:
- you are disadvantaged by something because of your disability, and
- it is reasonable to make the changes to remove the disadvantage
What is meant by 'reasonable'
Adjustments only have to be made if it's reasonable to do so. This depends on things like:
- your disability
- its practicality
- if the change you ask for would overcome the disadvantage you and other disabled people experience
- the size of the organisation
- the resources it would require
- the cost of making the changes
- if any changes have already been made
Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs)
We have a policy in place to request all challenges and representations in writing. However, we are aware that this is not always possible. If our officers feel that additional assistance is required, then we will make reasonable adjustments where possible to suit your needs.
Examples of these reasonable adjustments include but not limited to:
- a mutually convenient telephone appointment where you can dictate your challenge/representation to an officer
- a pre-booked face-to-face meeting (in exceptional circumstances) where you can dictate your challenge or representation
- 3rd party liaison acting on your behalf to discuss and deal with the case as your representative
Parking permits
There is an application or renewal process in place via this website or by post; however, we are aware that this does not suit everybody. If our officers feel that additional assistance is required, we will look to make reasonable adjustments to help you.
Examples of these reasonable adjustments include but are not limited to:
- a mutually convenient telephone appointment where you can make your application or renewal verbally. However, the call may need to be recorded depending on your disability. The recording may need to act as your signature confirming that you agree to the terms and conditions of the scheme
- a pre-booked face-to-face meeting, where you can apply/renew in person. If you are unable to provide a signature, your usual mark will need to be witnessed. This will act as your acceptance of the terms and conditions of the scheme
- 3rd party liaison acting on your behalf to apply or renew your permit as your representative. We would agree a way of arranging for the terms and conditions to be signed by you as acceptance
We will cover the costs of all reasonable adjustments.
Refusing a request for reasonable adjustments
If we reject your request for an adjustment to be made, we will explain this decision to you. We will explain the factors that have been taken into account. We may also suggest alternatives which will be given the same level of consideration as the original request.
We made a decision not to allow payment of PCNs by instalment for the following reasons:
- the cost of administering the system
- 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
- current legislation states that in order for a case to be closed, full payment must be made within certain timescales. This does not provide the motorist with the opportunity to settle a case other than that stated within the legislation. Those seeking instalment plans often wish to do so over a longer period than could be allowed
- payment arrangements could not be allowed during the discounted period as legislation states that the discounted period only lasts for 14 days
- the deterrent of a PCN may be compromised if small repayments, or long term payment arrangements, are accepted
The Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2014 (TCG) sets out the rules and regulations for all debts. This will ensure transparency and consistency of the fees that are charged throughout the industry.
| Stage | Fees and actions |
|---|---|
| Compliance stage | The Compliance Fee: £75 per warrant and is triggered once the instruction is received. |
| Enforcement stage | The Enforcement Fee: £235 (and 7.5% of the debt amount exceeding £1,500) is triggered once an Enforcement Agent is in attendance. No action is required to trigger the fee. |
| Sale stage |
The Sale Fee: £110 (and 7.5% of the debt amount exceeding £1500) when a visit is made to the relevant premises for transporting good(s):
This stage can attract additional costs - see below for further information. |
The only additional fees or cost that can be charged to the debtor are:
- storage costs (on removal of goods)
- locksmith charges (gaining access and securing premises when force is used)
- court fees (granted in exceptional circumstances)
- auction fees at auctioneer's premises (commission not exceeding 15%)
- sales on debtor's premises (commission not exceeding 7.5%)
Last updated 01 April 2023