PCN Code 46 Edinburgh: Stopped on a red route or Greenway (2026)

Found a PCN with Code 46 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.

🎫 The short answer Code 46 — Red lines mark Edinburgh's Greenways — key bus and cycle corridors where stopping, waiting and loading are restricted to keep traffic moving. They work the same way as yellow lines, just in red. It costs £100, cut to £50 if you pay within 14 days.

Think your Code 46 was unfair?Send it to a former Edinburgh enforcement officer for a free, honest verdict before you pay.Free verdict →

What probably happened

You stopped on a red route or Greenway during its restricted hours — these are Edinburgh's key bus and cycle corridors marked with red lines. Hours vary street-by-street so always check the local sign. Blue badges do not exempt you here.

What the officer checks before issuing a Code 46

Single red line: no stopping during the hours shown on the nearby sign.
Double red line: no stopping at any time — restriction is permanent, no sign needed.
The restriction applies to the carriageway and the adjacent footway or verge.
Greenway hours are set street-by-street — some run Mon–Fri 7:30am–6:30pm with different Saturday and Sunday hours. Always check the local sign rather than assuming standard zone hours apply.
🚫 Blue Badge does not exempt you here.

💡 Unlike a yellow line, you cannot predict a Greenway's hours from the zone — each one is set individually, so read the sign every time, even on a street you know well.

🚛 This one can be towed on the dayCode 46 is one of the contraventions removed straight off the street. If your car goes to the pound you must collect it in person and pay £240 to release it — an all-in figure that includes the PCN. Blue Badge vehicles, Essential User Permit holders and residents parked in pay & display in their own zone are not removed.

Can you appeal a Code 46?

Most Code 46 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.

✅ Just pay the £50 if…You stopped where the signs prohibit it. Appealing then only delays things and risks the full £100.

Not sure if yours is worth fighting?

Send me your Code 46 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.

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Paying or challenging a Code 46

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 46

How much is a Code 46 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 46?

Yes. Code 46 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 46 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?

Code 01Parked on a yellow line during restricted hours Code 02Parked where loading is banned (yellow kerb marks)Code 05Parked after your paid time ran out Code 11Parked without paying Code 14In an EV charging bay without charging Code 16In a permit bay without a valid permit Code 21Parked in a suspended bay Code 23Wrong type of vehicle for the bay Code 24Not parked within the bay markings Code 25In a loading bay without loading Code 40In a disabled bay without a Blue Badge Code 41Parked in a diplomatic bay Code 42Parked in a police bay Code 46Stopped on a red route or Greenway Code 47Parked on a bus stop or stand Code 100Parked on the pavement Code 101Parked across a dropped kerb Code 102Double parked

Code 46 parking ticket in Edinburgh: stopped on a red route or greenway