Found a PCN with Code 42 on it? Here is exactly what it means, what the officer checked before issuing it, whether your car can be towed for it, and when an appeal is actually worth making.
What probably happened
You were parked in a bay marked for police vehicles only — no exemptions apply to anyone, including blue badge holders.
What the officer checks before issuing a Code 42
- Police bays are identifiable by road markings and signs indicating police use only.
- No exemptions apply — civilians, including blue badge holders, may not use these bays.
- Instant PCN issued — no observation period.
- Due to the nature of the contravention, vehicles are likely to be impounded.
- 🚫 Blue badges do not exempt you from this restriction under any circumstances.
Can you appeal a Code 42?
Most Code 42 tickets are correctly issued. These are the grounds that can win:
- The signs or road markings were missing, faded, obscured or contradictory — a restriction is only enforceable if its signs and markings meet the legal standard. Photograph everything before you leave the street.
- The PCN details are wrong — the registration, street, date, time or code does not match what actually happened.
- The officer’s evidence photos (viewable online from the day after issue) do not clearly show the contravention.
Not sure if yours is worth fighting?
Send me your Code 42 ticket and photos. I will read it personally and tell you straight: pay it while it is £50, or challenge it — and on exactly which grounds. The verdict is free.
Get a free verdict on my ticket →Paying or challenging a Code 42
You have 14 days to pay the reduced £50. Before deciding, look at the evidence photos on the council’s online PCN viewer (ED plus 8 digits, from the day after issue). If you are challenging, do it inside those 14 days and do not pay — paying closes the case. My Edinburgh parking ticket guide walks through paying, the challenge stages and the independent tribunal.
Common questions about Code 42
How much is a Code 42 parking ticket in Edinburgh?
£100, reduced to £50 if you pay within 14 days of the ticket being issued. Left unpaid, a Charge Certificate raises it to £150.
Can my car be towed for a Code 42?
Yes. Code 42 is one of the contraventions where the council removes vehicles straight off the street. Getting it back from the car pound costs £240 all-in, which includes the PCN, plus £25 a day storage after the first day.
Can I appeal a Code 42 PCN?
Yes, if you have grounds and evidence. The strongest for this code: The signs or road markings were missing, faded, obscured or contradictory — a restriction is only enforceable if its signs and markings meet the legal standard. Photograph everything before you leave the street.
Every other Edinburgh PCN code
Each code has its own page. Not sure which you have? It is printed near the top of the ticket — or see what does my parking code mean?