Avoid receiving a PCN

DO'S

DO always check the signs, lines and road markings before you park your vehicle.
If you are displaying a blue badge, ensure it is facing upwards, showing the wheelchair symbol and DO ensure that it is clearly placed on the dashboard or facia panel. If you also have to show a parking clock, this should be displayed on the dashboard with the clock clearly showing your arrival time.
DO ensure you have the correct change for car parking tickets before you get in your vehicle.
DO ensure any Pay and Display ticket is clearly shown and always check to make sure that the ticket has not been dislodged by wind or the car door, once you leave the vehicle.
If you pay for your parking online using a mobile app, or by calling a telephone number, DO ensure that you enter the correct Vehicle Registration Mark and Location Number for where you park. Listen back to the details given to ensure the system has heard correctly.
DO be aware that as the owner of the vehicle (registered with the DVLA) you are liable for any contravention.
DO always tell the DVLA if you no longer own a particular vehicle and ensure you send off the relevant paperwork.
DO try and park in council-owned car parks where possible, as you will always have the right to appeal to an independent tribunal if you have a dispute over an issued ticket.
DO keep delivery notes if loading or unloading, as these may be useful in any future appeal.

DON’T give yourself the benefit of the doubt when unsure over signs, lines or road markings.
DON’T presume your pay-and-display ticket is in the place you put it when you closed the car door. Always check it is clearly displayed once you have left the vehicle.
DON’T leave your vehicle to go for change. This is not ground for appeal.
DON’T lend other people your vehicle, if you do not want to be liable for their contraventions.
If you sell your vehicle, DON’T rely on someone else to fill out the DVLA documentation. Do it yourself.
DON’T send original documentation if appealing against a penalty charge – always use copies.

DO check the times of operation of Bus Lanes before entering them.
DO your research before you travel, especially when travelling to new cities or areas.
DO check with the local council if you are a Private Hire vehicle – rules about use differ from location to location.

DON’T rely on your Sat Nav to avoid Bus Lanes; they are not always up to date. While they are a useful tool, they do not absolve the driver from the responsibility of driving with due care and attention.

DO pay online if you are using the Dartford-Thurrock River Crossing and you do not have an account. Go online to the Dart Charge website to pay before midnight the following day. If you open an account, be aware that there are several different types of account and your outstanding journey may not be covered.

For Halton residents driving a car or van less than 3.5 tonnes

Register with Merseyflow and pay the £10 annual administration fee if you wish to cross the Mersey Gateway and Silver Jubilee bridges for free. You will receive a Merseyflow sticker for your car windscreen.
Remember that you will be required to provide proof of eligibility as follows:
- Valid UK driving licence.
- Vehicle registration document showing that your vehicle is registered in Halton.
- Council tax bill showing that you live in a property with a Council Tax band of A–F.

For Blue Badge holders

Register for Merseyflow and pay the £5 administration fee if you wish to ensure your free crossings over both bridges.
Remember that Blue Badge holders need to be in the vehicle at the time of crossing.

Non-residents and businesses

Remember that a trip is one crossing – there and back across the Mersey Gateway will be two crossings
Pay by midnight on the day following the crossing or you will receive a £40 Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)
Pay on the Merseyflow website as there will be no barrier or toll booth at the Mersey Gateway, which also provides information on arranging payment or setting up an account.
Register for a Merseyflow account in order to save up to 10% on each journey if you make fewer than 50 one-way trips per month. You will be required to pay an initial amount of £35 comprising a £5 registration fee and £30 initial account balance.
Register for a monthly pass if you make more than 50 one-way trips per month.
Buy a monthly pass if you are a Class 2 vehicle driver.
Register for a pre-pay sticker account, to save up to 10%; this account can be set up so that it is automatically topped-up from your bank account in advance.
Visit the Merseyflow website here to register and for more information on the scale of charges for each type of vehicle. Motorcycles and local buses incur no charge.

DO pay online or at the Parking Shop if you are entering the Durham Road User Charge (Congestion) Zone. Find further details here.