Number of parking fines referred to bailiffs up 67%

Around four million parking fines were referred by councils to enforcement agencies in the last year, according to the Civil Enforcement Association (CEA).

Data from the industry trade body shows that penalty charge notices (PCN) passed onto bailiffs jumped by two-thirds between 2023/24.

Russell Hamblin-Boone from the Civil Enforcement Association (CEA) said the increase is a consequence of councils acting ‘more robustly’ to pursue people who park illegally and ignore traffic regulations.

He also put the growth down to the implementation of carbon reduction measures, such as ‘congestion charges, clean air zones and low traffic neighbourhoods.’

PCNs are usually issued for parking fines. You can also get them for breaking some traffic rules such as going against a ‘no right turn’ sign or driving in a bus lane.

They can also be issued for not paying congestion charges on time.

In London, around 5,000 vehicles a day are issued with a PCN for entering the congestion charging zone during charging hours. The fine is set at £180, reducing to £90 if paid within 14 days. Other cities with congestion charges include Bath, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Newcastle, Portsmouth and Sheffield.

What is a PCN?

A penalty charge notice (PCN) is a fine issued by a local council that can be enforced by bailiffs if you don’t pay or challenge it within 21 days. The process works like this:

Council sends letter

If you don’t pay the PCN after repeated requests, the council will refer the case to an enforcement agency, which will send a letter that may incur an additional cost.

A visit from a bailiff

If you still don’t pay, the debt will be passed onto an enforcement agency. A bailiff will visit your home to take payment or seize items of value, such as a car to repay the debt. And you’ll face more charges.

Negotiate with the bailiff

You can try to negotiate with the bailiff by offering to pay some of the amount owed now and rest later. If the bailiff agrees to the payment plan, they will leave your home.

Pay the PCN directly to the council

Once you pay the PCN directly to the council, the bailiff can’t take control of your goods or demand money.

How much do bailiffs charge?

Bailiffs or enforcement agents charge fees for each step of the debt collection process.

• Notice of enforcement – is a fixed fee of £75 which is added when they first send a letter to you
• Bailiff visit – is a fixed fee of £235 that is added along with 7.5% of the debt value if it’s over £1,500
• Removal of goods – is a fixed fee of £110 that is added along with 7.5% of the debt value if it’s over £1,500. You could also be charged other costs such as storage and auction fees or for the use of a locksmith

Is it legal for bailiffs to collect debts?

Bailiffs or enforcement agents have legal powers to collect debts in England and Wales. They can work for private companies, the council, or be self-employed.

Are bailiffs different from debt collectors?

Bailiffs and debt collectors are different – they don’t have the same powers or roles to collect debts. And it is important to understand the difference.

Debt collectors are employed by creditors to ask people to pay their debts. They can contact people by phone, letter or by sending doorstep collectors to your home. They don’t have legal powers to collect debts so they can’t enter your home or take possessions. But they can ask you to discuss your debt and how you plan to repay it.

Bailiffs or enforcement agents are court-appointed and have legal powers to collect debts. They can visit your home, seize your belongings and force entry into businesses. Before visiting they must give you an enforcement notice at least seven days in advance, unless a court orders otherwise. Bailiffs can collect debts such as council tax, arrears, parking fines, child maintenance arrears, criminal fines and money owed to HM Revenue & Customs.

Are you worried about a bailiff visit?

If a bailiff has contacted you, you might need free debt advice. It’s one of the main reasons people contact us for help. We can help you understand your rights and find you the right solution to help with your debts.