Understanding the UK TE13 Witness Statement for Unpaid Penalty Charges

Understanding the Official UK Court Form TE13: Witness Statement for Unpaid Penalty Charge

The UK government provides a specific legal document known as the TE13 Witness Statement – Unpaid Penalty Charge. This form is an essential part of the administrative process for individuals or entities wishing to challenge or explain unpaid parking or moving traffic penalties issued by local authorities. Managed by the HM Courts and Tribunals Service, this form is designed to facilitate a formal legal response to penalty notices, ensuring that all parties have a clear and structured means of presenting their case.

Purpose and Scope of the TE13 Form

The TE13 form serves as a formal witness statement that can be used to:

• Appeal a moving traffic contravention outside of London
• Dispute a parking contravention, whether inside or outside of London

It is important to note that each penalty charge notice (PCN) requires a separate TE13 form if multiple cases are involved. The form is a key element in the administrative appeal process, allowing respondents to present their case if they believe the penalty was wrongly issued or if they have valid reasons for non-payment.

Eligibility and Who Can Complete the Form

The TE13 must be completed by the individual named in the original order for recovery of the unpaid penalty charge or a litigation friend acting on their behalf. This includes:

• The registered vehicle owner or keeper
• A person authorised to act on behalf of a company or organisation, if applicable

Only the respondent or their authorised representative can sign the statement, and the form must be submitted before the deadline specified on the initial recovery order. If the respondent is a protected party, such as a minor or someone with limited legal capacity, a litigation friend must complete the form on their behalf.

Step-by-Step Procedure for Filling Out the TE13

1. Gather Necessary Information

Before starting, ensure you have the penalty charge number, the respondent’s full name, current address, and the vehicle registration number. If applicable, include details of the company and your position within it.

2. Complete Personal Details

Fill in the respondent’s name, address, and email address clearly using BLOCK CAPITALS if completing by hand. Accurate details are crucial as the form will be used for official correspondence.

3. Select the Appropriate Ground for Witness Statement

Tick only one box to specify the grounds for your statement:

• I did not receive the PCN or Enforcement Notice
• I made representations but received no reply
• I appealed but received no response or the appeal was undecided
• The penalty has been paid in full

Providing accurate information here is vital, as multiple selections will invalidate the form.

4. Provide Payment Details (if applicable)

If the penalty has been settled, include the date of payment, method (cash, cheque, card), recipient, and receipt reference number. This evidence supports your case if claiming full payment.

5. Final Declaration and Signature

The respondent must read the statement of truth, confirm that the information provided is accurate, and sign and date the form. If signing on behalf of a company or organisation, appropriate authority must be demonstrated.

Submission Guidelines and Deadlines

The completed TE13 form must be sent by the date specified in the original order for recovery. It can be submitted either via email to [email protected] or by post to the:

If the form is not submitted by the deadline, the respondent may need to complete an TE14 Out of Time Application, which should be sent together with the TE13.

Legal Considerations and Advice

Completing the TE13 involves a legal declaration; therefore, it is important to ensure the truthfulness of the information provided. Making false statements can lead to legal penalties, including contempt of court proceedings. While the form does not provide legal advice, respondents are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified solicitors or Citizens Advice if unsure about their situation or the implications of their response.

Conclusion

The TE13 Witness Statement form is a vital procedural document within the UK administrative legal framework for contesting unpaid penalty charges. Accurate completion and timely submission are essential to ensure that the respondent’s rights are protected and that their case is properly considered by the relevant authorities. Understanding the steps involved and the legal responsibilities attached can help individuals and organisations navigate this process effectively.