PCN cancellation policy
Case reference FOI2026/01573
Received 27 July 2026
Published 3 August 2026
Request
Query 1: I would like to request a copy of all policy and guidance documents that are available to council officers who are tasked with considering the question of whether a Penalty Charge Notice should be cancelled. For the avoidance of doubt, this request covers any policy that is published or otherwise publicly available, plus any internal council guidance or policy that is only available internally to council staff (such as any internal policy that outlines in what circumstances the council may exercise its discretionary powers to cancel a PCN).
Query 2: Please could you also disclose the training material that is used to train the council officers who make decisions regarding the cancellation of PCNs. This should cover only training material that is directly relevant to their role in deciding whether a council PCN should be cancelled, any other training material (such as generic council training, health and safety, GDPR or training related to other roles or functions) is not within the scope of this request.
Response
Thank you for your request for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
Please find the answers to your queries below:
Query 1: I would like to request a copy of all policy and guidance documents that are available to council officers who are tasked with considering the question of whether a Penalty Charge Notice should be cancelled. For the avoidance of doubt, this request covers any policy that is published or otherwise publicly available, plus any internal council guidance or policy that is only available internally to council staff (such as any internal policy that outlines in what circumstances the council may exercise its discretionary powers to cancel a PCN).
The Council's Civil Parking Enforcement Policy is publicly available and can be found on our website using the following link:
https://www.guildford.gov.uk/article/17702/Parking-strategies-and-policies
As such, the information you require can be found from publicly available sources and consequentially under Section 21 of the Act, we are not required to provide information in response to a request if it is already reasonably accessible.
Query 2: Please could you also disclose the training material that is used to train the council officers who make decisions regarding the cancellation of PCNs. This should cover only training material that is directly relevant to their role in deciding whether a council PCN should be cancelled, any other training material (such as generic council training, health and safety, GDPR or training related to other roles or functions) is not within the scope of this request.
In relation to the training of enforcement staff, all enforcement officers have obtained a relevant professional qualification, such as the City & Guilds qualification (or an equivalent recognised qualification). Members of the enforcement team have over 11 years’ service in their respective roles, providing a significant level of expertise and consistency in the application of the Council's policies and procedures. Staff receive ongoing practical training through assessment and management of live cases.
There is no prescriptive manual governing decision-making, as each case must be considered on its own individual circumstances and merits. The team do discuss some cases to ensure the same approach is used within the team and escalate cases where guidance is required. If a case goes to appeal, then the information from the appeal is viewed and any lesson’s outlined in practice or operations are communicated and put in practice.
The team follows a range of established procedures governing the use of the systems and processes required to deliver enforcement activities in accordance with relevant legislation and guidance. In addition, officers regularly seek and share best practice through engagement with professional bodies and other local authorities, helping to ensure that our approach remains consistent with current standards and practices across the sector.
Guildford follow the enforcement code set out by the Traffic Management Act 2004(Gov.uk) as it ensures that the process is carried out fairly and accurately.
Yours sincerely,
FOI Team
Guildford Borough Council
Documents
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