How to Appeal a Yellow Box Junction PCN
Yellow box junction PCNs are camera-issued council penalties. The rule is specific: you may only be penalised for entering the box when your exit is not clear — and, crucially, the only permitted reason to stop in a box is being prevented from turning right by oncoming traffic or other vehicles.
Footage often shows the contravention didn't actually meet that test.
Grounds that work
- ▸Exit was clear on entry — if your exit lane was clear when you entered and you only stopped because traffic ahead halted unexpectedly, that's defensible.
- ▸Turning right, blocked by oncoming traffic — the one expressly permitted reason to wait in a box; if that's why you stopped, you have a complete defence.
- ▸Box markings non-compliant — faded or incorrectly laid markings undermine enforcement.
- ▸Signal change caught you — entering on a clear exit then being stopped by a light change ahead is not the contravention the rule targets.
- ▸Compliant approach forced the stop — being pushed in by merging or lane closures with footage to show it.
The process
Request the full footage — councils sometimes issue on a still that doesn't show your exit was clear on entry. Make formal representations, then appeal free to the tribunal within 28 days if rejected.
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Start my appealFrequently asked
Traffic ahead stopped suddenly and I was stuck
If your exit was clear when you entered the box and ahead-traffic then halted, that's a recognised defence — get the full footage, not just the issuing still.
More guides
This guide is general information about UK parking appeal processes, not legal advice. Operator trade-body memberships and appeal routes change — always follow the route and deadline named on your own notice and rejection letter.