PCN Code 24 Edinburgh: Not parked within the bay markings (2026)

Found a PCN with Code 24 on it? Here is exactly what it means, what the officer checked before issuing it, whether your car can be towed for it, and when an appeal is actually worth making.

🎫 The short answer Code 24 — Your vehicle should sit within a single marked bay — but the protocol is more forgiving than people think. Two wheels on the white line is fine. Two wheels outside the markings and obstructing another vehicle, bay or a length of yellow line is a PCN. It costs £100, cut to £50 if you pay within 14 days.

Think your Code 24 was unfair?Send it to a former Edinburgh enforcement officer for a free, honest verdict before you pay.Free verdict →

What probably happened

Your vehicle wasn't parked within a single set of bay markings — likely straddling two bays or partly outside the lines.

What the officer checks before issuing a Code 24

✅ Two wheels ON the bay line, inside the markings: no PCN.
✅ Spanning the gap between two bays without encroaching on either: no PCN.
🚫 Two wheels OUTSIDE the markings and causing an obstruction to other vehicles: PCN. Same if those wheels are sitting on a stretch of yellow line.
🚫 Encroaching into the next bay: PCN, even if that bay is empty.
Applies to all bay types: pay & display, permit, disabled, loading, and EV bays.
Instant PCN — no observation period required.
🚫 Blue badges do not exempt you from parking correctly within bay markings.

💡 If the bay looks too small for your vehicle, it probably is — find a larger space rather than risk a ticket.

🚛 Will they tow it?Code 24 is not one of the contraventions removed on the day. The exception: any contravention can end in removal if the vehicle is a persistent evader with unpaid PCNs — so do not let tickets pile up.

Can you appeal a Code 24?

Most Code 24 tickets are correctly issued. These are the grounds that can win:

Only two wheels were on the bay line, still inside the markings — that is allowed.
You were spanning the gap between two bays without encroaching on either.
The PCN details are wrong — the registration, street, date, time or code does not match what actually happened.
The officer’s evidence photos (viewable online from the day after issue) do not clearly show the contravention.

✅ Just pay the £50 if…Two wheels were outside the markings and obstructing another bay, vehicle or a length of yellow line. Appealing then only delays things and risks the full £100.

Not sure if yours is worth fighting?

Send me your Code 24 ticket and photos. I will read it personally and tell you straight: pay it while it is £50, or challenge it — and on exactly which grounds. The verdict is free.

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Paying or challenging a Code 24

You have 14 days to pay the reduced £50. Before deciding, look at the evidence photos on the council’s online PCN viewer (ED plus 8 digits, from the day after issue). If you are challenging, do it inside those 14 days and do not pay — paying closes the case. My Edinburgh parking ticket guide walks through paying, the challenge stages and the independent tribunal.

Common questions about Code 24

How much is a Code 24 parking ticket in Edinburgh?

£100, reduced to £50 if you pay within 14 days of the ticket being issued. Left unpaid, a Charge Certificate raises it to £150.

Can my car be towed for a Code 24?

Code 24 is not one of the contraventions removed on the day. But any contravention can end in removal if the vehicle is flagged as a persistent evader with unpaid PCNs.

Can I appeal a Code 24 PCN?

Yes, if you have grounds and evidence. The strongest for this code: Only two wheels were on the bay line, still inside the markings — that is allowed.

Every other Edinburgh PCN code

Each code has its own page. Not sure which you have? It is printed near the top of the ticket — or see what does my parking code mean?

Code 01Parked on a yellow line during restricted hours Code 02Parked where loading is banned (yellow kerb marks)Code 05Parked after your paid time ran out Code 11Parked without paying Code 14In an EV charging bay without charging Code 16In a permit bay without a valid permit Code 21Parked in a suspended bay Code 23Wrong type of vehicle for the bay Code 24Not parked within the bay markings Code 25In a loading bay without loading Code 40In a disabled bay without a Blue Badge Code 41Parked in a diplomatic bay Code 42Parked in a police bay Code 46Stopped on a red route or Greenway Code 47Parked on a bus stop or stand Code 100Parked on the pavement Code 101Parked across a dropped kerb Code 102Double parked

Code 24 parking ticket in Edinburgh: not parked within the bay markings