Congestion Charge - Time lImits to receive a PCN?

[londonimp]

We have just received a PCN for the London congestion charge (CC) dated 10 July 2008 yet the alleged offence was 23 January 2008.

I know there are time limits for speeding fines do these apply to the CC also? I have searched the "help" pages but strangely enough this is not mentioned !

Rapid response greatly appreciated.

[moomintroll1]

I don't think there is a specific time limit for decriminalised traffic offences, although I believe six months is normally taken to be a reasonable period.

This is because they write in the first instance to the registered keeper of the vehicle at the time of the alleged offence. If the vehicle had recently changed hands or been on hire, for example, there would be correspondence going back and forth to identify the owner/keeper/hirer responsible, and each time they have to allow 28 days for the forms to be returned.

If you are the registered keeper, you could try appealing (you could always try anyway), although you may lose your right to pay at the discounted rate if you lose the appeal.