Debunking the myths on paying Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs)

“You Can Ignore a PCN and It’ll Just Go Away” 

There’s a common (and costly) myth: that if you ignore a council-issued Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), it’ll somehow disappear. Some believe that if they move house, the trail goes cold. Unfortunately, that couldn’t be further from the truth and believing it can turn a small fine into a much bigger and more stressful problem.  

In reality, PCNs don’t just go away, they escalate. Unpaid PCNs often lead to legal recovery action, and enforcement agents may eventually be instructed to collect the debt. 

At APD Civil Enforcement Services, we work closely with local authorities to recover outstanding debts fairly and transparently.

In this blog, we’ll explain what really happens if you ignore a PCN, why moving house doesn’t make it disappear, and how taking early action can save you money, stress, and unnecessary enforcement visits.  

Myth: “If I Ignore a PCN, Nothing Will Happen” 

Reality: A PCN that goes unpaid is legally enforceable and will escalate. 

Councils follow a structured process to recover unpaid PCNs: 

• First, a Charge Certificate is issued — increasing the fine by 50%. 

• Then an Order for Recovery is obtained through the Traffic Enforcement Centre. 

• Finally, the case may be passed to certified enforcement agents for collection. 

As a civil enforcement agency, we see first-hand how quickly these cases snowball when people don’t engage early. 

What If You’ve Moved House? 

One of the most common reasons people claim they didn’t respond to a PCN is that they moved house and never received it. While this can be a genuine issue, the responsibility to update your address lies with the vehicle’s registered keeper. 

• You are legally required to update your address with the DVLA for both your driving licence and vehicle logbook (V5C). 

• If a PCN is sent to your old address because this wasn’t updated, you’re still liable for the penalty. 

• Not receiving the PCN doesn’t automatically cancel it. However, if you act quickly and provide the right information, there are formal processes to challenge escalation (such as making a statutory declaration). 

Why Ignoring a PCN Is Risky (and Often More Expensive)  

Failing to act can turn a small fine into a much bigger problem: 

• £60 fine → £90 after Charge Certificate → £180+ with enforcement fees. 

• You lose the right to challenge the fine after the earlier stages. 

• Enforcement agents may visit your property and recover the debt through agreed payment or controlled goods. 

This process is fully legal and authorised by the courts, and our role is to uphold this process while offering options to resolve the matter professionally. 

If You’ve Moved: What You Should Do 

1. Update your DVLA address immediately (for both your licence and vehicle logbook). This is your legal obligation. 

2. If enforcement has already started, contact the named enforcement agency quickly. They can advise on your options and help prevent the situation escalating further. 

3. Keep proof of address changes, moving dates, and DVLA updates: these may help if you need to make a formal declaration. 

4. Don’t ignore letters or visits, open communication makes resolution easier. 

Common Questions We Hear 

“I didn’t get the PCN because I moved, am I still liable?”  Yes. The responsibility to keep your DVLA records up to date is yours as the vehicle keeper. The PCN is considered valid if sent to the last known address on record. 

“Can you just cancel it?”  As a civil enforcement agency, we carry out instructions from the local authority. Once a case has reached enforcement stage, our focus is on resolving it through cooperation. In some situations, statutory declarations may be possible, but ignoring it is not a solution. 

How We Can Help 

At APD, we understand that life gets busy and moving house, missing a letter, or forgetting to update your records can happen. That’s why we focus on clear communication, fair outcomes, and practical resolutions. If you’ve received a notice or are unsure what to do, reach out. We’re here to guide you through it. 

In Summary 

• PCNs are enforceable legal penalties, ignoring them doesn’t make them disappear. 

• Moving house? Update your DVLA details immediately to avoid issues. 

• If enforcement begins, engage early, we’re here to help resolve the issue fairly.