Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will take steps to allow oral appeals for Penalty Charge Notices for people with dyslexia.

Under Regulation 5 of The Civil Enforcement of Road Traffic Contraventions (Representations and Appeals) (England) Regulations 2022 drivers may make representations to the local authority issuing the Penalty Charge Notice in accordance with procedures put in place by the local authority. The regulations also allow for drivers and any representatives to attend adjudication hearings in person.

In establishing such processes, local authorities have statutory duties as set out in the Equality Act 2010. Section 149 places a Public Sector Equality Duty on all public bodies, including local authorities and the independent adjudicator to eliminate unlawful discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations between persons who share relevant protected characteristics, including age and disability amongst others.

It is the responsibility of local authorities to ensure their processes, including appeals against Penalty Charge Notices are designed to comply accordingly and are accessible to everyone.