QUOTE
He has a personalised plate on a work van and they wrongly used the letter i instead of numeral 1.
Was this a relatively modern plate ( AA99 ABC) or one of the older types (for example) ABC 123A?
If the modern it sounds as if the CEO (and the Council) needs to read the regs at
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/...d-number-plateswhere he'll find that I and 1 are identical, but the letter I is not used (except. possibly - not clear in guidance - in the last three letters)
The works need to check their numberplates, if personalised, conform with the guidance in that booklet (the penalties are hefty!).
Where did the I/1 fall in the sequence?
Generally, a wrong number/letter is fatal to a PCN, but 0/O and I/1 may be a grey area.
What happens if he inputs the correct reg.mark into the 'View/Pay my PCN' site in the council website?
Take a screenshot of the result.
What happens if he inputs the incorrect (PCN) mark into a reg.number checking site?
How clear is it that it is a 'I', rather than an '1', on the PCN?
He has a choice:
EITHER ignore the PCN and if feeling public-spirited return
a copy of the PCN to the Council with anonymous note saying he found it on the vehicle but as it does not bear his reg mark was obviously placed on the wrong vehicle. Keep original erroneous PCN very safe. They cannot re-issue PCN.
OR
Pay at discount. Attempt to do it online and either take screenshot of inability to pay with correct reg. or pay using incorrect reg.
It's a bit late in the day for you to post up the paperwork and expect more detailed advice.
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EDIT, my post crossed with Incandescent - sound advice there too.