Contravention code 97 · On-street

PCN Code 97: Driving a motor vehicle in an unrestricted street in excess of the posted speed limit

This is the official national contravention code printed on your notice. Here's what it means, and whether there's a common ground worth checking.

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Not a law firm. General information about the code itself, not legal advice about your case — upload your own notice for facts that actually apply to you.

What this code means

“Driving a motor vehicle in an unrestricted street in excess of the posted speed limit”

Code 97 is an on-street contravention from London Councils' national PATROL contravention code list, the standard list used on council and TfL penalty notices across England and Wales, not just London.

Note: London only.

Is there a common way to challenge this?

It depends on the facts of your case

Code 97 doesn't point to one obvious ground the way some codes do — the right one (signage, a procedural error by the council, incorrect notice details, or simply that the contravention didn't happen) depends on what actually happened where you parked, not on the code by itself.

Check your notice and pick your ground

Other on-street codes

Code 99

Stopped on a pedestrian crossing or crossing area marked by zigzags

Code 01

Parked in a restricted street during prescribed hours

Code 02

Parked or loading/unloading in a restricted street where waiting and loading/unloading restrictions are in force

Code 04

Parked in a meter bay when penalty time is indicated

Not sure which code applies to you? See the full list.

Official source for this code

London Councils' national PCN Contravention Code List (PATROL), the standard reference used on penalty notices across England and Wales.

Last reviewed: 30 August 2026

GOV.UK PATROL

OverturnFine is an independent document-preparation service. It is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice, and it is not affiliated with any council, TfL, or UK government body.

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