Can I appeal a box junction PCN?

Yes. Formal representations must rely on a ground in the regulations, for example that the contravention did not occur (your exit was clear when you entered), procedural impropriety, or that the penalty exceeded the amount that applies. If the council rejects them, you can appeal to the independent tribunal.

How do I appeal a box junction PCN?

Ask for the camera footage, which you can view free of charge, and watch the moment you entered the box. Explain the ground you rely on and attach your evidence, such as dashcam footage or photographs of the markings. The council decides first; the tribunal decides if you appeal.

What is the contravention code for a box junction?

Code 31: entering and stopping in a box junction when prohibited. Camera PCNs often show it as 31j. See our code 31 page for the right-turn exemption and the deadlines.

Camera PCN · Moving traffic · England · Last checked 23 October 2026

Box junction PCN appeals: the rules and your options

Box junction tickets come from cameras, and the council must let you see the footage. Whether to pay or appeal is your decision. The arguments people rely on are usually that the exit was clear when they entered, that they were turning right and held up by oncoming traffic, or that the notice or the markings were defective.

The rule you are accused of breaking

The yellow criss-cross marking means you must not enter the box so that you then have to stop in it because of stationary vehicles. What counts is the moment you entered. If your exit was clear then, and a vehicle moved into your path afterwards, the contravention may not have occurred. Our code 31 page sets out the rule, the right-turn exemption and the penalty levels.

Grounds people rely on in box junction appeals

The exit was clear on entry, and something unexpected (another vehicle cutting in, a pedestrian) stopped you afterwards. Frame-by-frame footage shows it.
Turning right at a junction box and held up only by oncoming traffic or other vehicles turning right, which is exempt.
The markings were worn or unclear, or the exit could not be seen before entering.
Procedural impropriety, for example missing information on the postal PCN, or a camera location where the council did not issue a first-time warning notice as the statutory guidance expects in the first six months.

The evidence to gather

The council's footage: ask to view it or for still images, and watch your entry and exit frame by frame.
Your dashcam, if you have one.
Dated photographs of the box markings and the approach.
The PCN itself, every field, and the envelope.

What does not answer the rule

"I was only stopped for a few seconds", "I followed the car in front" or "traffic was heavy". The length of the stop is not the test; why you stopped and what the exit looked like when you entered are. If you rely on mitigation, keep it separate from the ground.

For the deadlines and every stage, see our council PCN guide, stage by stage; the stages for camera PCNs start with the postal PCN itself.

FAQ

Can I appeal a box junction PCN?: Yes. Formal representations must rely on a ground in the regulations, for example that the contravention did not occur (your exit was clear when you entered), procedural impropriety, or that the penalty exceeded the amount that applies. If the council rejects them, you can appeal to the independent tribunal.
How do I appeal a box junction PCN?: Ask for the camera footage, which you can view free of charge, and watch the moment you entered the box. Explain the ground you rely on and attach your evidence, such as dashcam footage or photographs of the markings. The council decides first; the tribunal decides if you appeal.
What is the contravention code for a box junction?: Code 31: entering and stopping in a box junction when prohibited. Camera PCNs often show it as 31j. See our code 31 page for the right-turn exemption and the deadlines.

General information about moving traffic PCNs in England, not legal advice. Sources: Traffic Management Act 2004, Part 6; Civil Enforcement of Road Traffic Contraventions (Approved Devices, Charging Guidelines and General Provisions) (England) Regulations 2022 (SI 2022/71); Civil Enforcement of Road Traffic Contraventions (Representations and Appeals) (England) Regulations 2022 (SI 2022/576); Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016, Schedule 9 Part 7; Department for Transport statutory guidance on moving traffic enforcement; Traffic Penalty Tribunal and London Tribunals guidance. Last checked 23 October 2026.