It is up to each Local Authority to decide which band of charges they will adopt. Wigan Council has adopted £70 for higher level contraventions and £50 for lower level contraventions.
These charges are reduced by 50% if payment is made within 14 days.
Penalty charges
- From 31 March 2008 the charge for Penalty Charge Notices issued in the Wigan Borough will be either £70 or £50 depending on the contravention.
- There is a 50% discount if payment is made not later than the last day of the period of 14 days beginning with the date on which the PCN was served.
- If the Penalty Charge Notice is unpaid after 28 days a Notice to Owner is sent to the registered keeper of the vehicle and the full charge is payable.
- If the charge is unpaid it increases by 50% upon issue of a Charge Certificate.
- If the charge is then registered as a debt a £5 court fee is also payable.
- If bailiffs are instructed to recover the debt, bailiff charges are also payable.
Example of costs/charges
If the Penalty Charge Notice cost is £70, then:
- if it is paid within 14 days then the cost is reduced to £35;
- if it is not paid within 28 days of a Notice to Owner, then a Charge Certificate is issued and the cost increases to £105;
- if the charge certificate remains unpaid, it will then be registered as a debt and costs increase to £110.
If the Penalty Charge Notice cost is £50, then:
- if it is paid within 14 days then the cost is reduced to £25;
- if it is not paid within 28 days of a Notice to Owner, then a Charge Certificate is issued and the cost increases to £75;
- if the charge certificate remains unpaid, it will then be registered as a debt and costs increase to £80.
