PCN pay refers to the act of paying a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), which is a formal demand for a penalty charge issued for specific traffic and parking infringements. When you receive a PCN, you are required to pay this charge for contravening local regulations.
Understanding Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs)
A Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) is issued by local authorities or police forces in the UK for various road traffic contraventions. These are typically civil penalties, distinct from criminal offences.
PCNs are commonly issued for:
- Parking contraventions: Such as parking on double yellow lines, in a restricted zone, or overstaying a time limit.
- Bus lane contraventions: Driving or stopping in a bus lane during restricted hours.
- Moving traffic contraventions: Infringements like making an illegal turn, driving through a "no entry" sign, or stopping in a yellow box junction when clear to do so.
What Happens When You Pay a PCN?
Upon receiving a PCN, the individual is obligated to pay the penalty charge. The amount of the charge often depends on the severity of the contravention and the local authority issuing it.
It's important to understand the implications of paying a PCN:
- Not a Criminal Offence: Paying a PCN does not result in a criminal record. These penalties are civil charges, not criminal convictions.
- No Driving Licence Points: Unlike some more serious driving offences, a PCN will not lead to points being added to your driving licence.
- No Impact on Credit Rating: Paying a PCN, or even receiving one, does not affect your credit rating. It is a civil debt to the local authority, not a loan or credit agreement that would be reported to credit bureaus.
The payment of a PCN resolves the outstanding penalty for the contravention, allowing you to comply with local regulations without further legal consequences related to the specific incident.
