The page explains a number of terms and phrases that on the congestion charge tribunal website that may be unfamiliar to you.
Adjudication The legally binding process of deciding an appeal relating to a penalty charge by an independent Adjudicator. The decision of an Adjudicator is final and binding on both parties to an appeal.
Adjudicator An independent, legally qualified lawyer who judges the evidence and makes a final decision on the appeal.
Appeal The legal process of challenging a decision by a local authority to reject a motorist’s formal representation against the issue of the Penalty Charge.
Appellant A person who makes an appeal against a decision by a local authority to reject representations made following the service of a Penalty Charge Notice.
Bailiff A person legally authorised to recover a debt by seizing goods and property.
Charge Certificate A legal notice issued following an unpaid Penalty Charge which increases the penalty charge by 50% and is the final stage before registration of the debt in the county court.
Contravention A breach of one or more traffic or parking controls.
County Court The civil court where a debt is registered following an unpaid charge certificate. This is also the Court where a Statutory Declaration may be filed.
Declarant A person who swears a Statutory Declaration
Discount Rate A reduction in the penalty charge (50%) if paid within 17 days of the date of issue of the Penalty Charge Notice.
DVLA The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, responsible for maintaining registers of drivers and vehicles and collecting vehicle excise duty (road tax).
Jurisdiction The power of the Court/Tribunal or Judge/Adjudicator to consider a case.
National Parking Appeals Service (NPAS) The adjudication service for parking and traffic appeals outside London.
Notice of Acceptance A Notice issued by Transport for London to a motorist upon the Authority accepting a formal representation against the issue of a Penalty Charge Notice.
Notice of Rejection (NoR) A Notice issued by Transport for London to a motorist upon the Authority rejecting a formal representation against the issue of a Penalty Charge Notice.
Notice of Appeal (NoA) The legal form which begins the appeal process and which explains to the independent Adjudicator and Transport for London why the motorist challenges the Authority’s Notice of Rejection.
Parking and Traffic Appeals Service (PATAS) The adjudication service for parking and traffic appeals in London.
Penalty Charge Notice A legal notice issued by Transport for London following a congestion charging contravention.
Personal Hearing An opportunity for a motorist who has appealed to an independent Adjudicator to explain their case and present evidence in person before the Adjudicator.
Postal Decision The written decision given by the independent Adjudicator following an appeal hearing where the parties did not attend to present the case in person.
Registered Keeper The person or organisation recorded by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency as being the legal keeper of a motor vehicle.
Respondent The person or body (i.e. Transport for London) who responds to an appeal.
Review The process by which a party to an appeal can challenge the decision of an independent Adjudicator.
Road User Charging Adjudicators Tribunal The adjudication service for Congestion Charge appeals in London (a division of PATAS)
Statutory Declaration A formal legal statement declaring that a particular step in the appeals process has or has not been complied with, with the aim the enforcement process.
Traffic Enforcement Centre (TEC) Part of the Northampton County Court which deals with the registering of debts following non-payment of Penalty Charges and the making of Orders cancelling the enforcement of Penalty Charges.
Tribunal A legal body made up of independent Adjudicators deciding appeals.
Vehicle Registration Mark (VRM) The number plate of a vehicle.
Warrant of Execution. Authority issued by the county court to enforce an unpaid debt, following registration at the TEC. Warrants must be in the possession of a certificated bailiff when attempts are made to recover the debt. (The procedure is different in Scotland).