A Burnham-On-Sea motorist has been locked in seven months of legal negotiations after receiving a penalty charge for driving through London’s congestion zone.
Frances Deeley, pictured, drove her Honda Civic into the centre of London after dropping her son off at Heathrow airport last February, setting off the long-running wrangle.
She says insufficient information was available on how to pay the £8 charge, which led to her receiving a £120 penalty fine, which she has been contesting.
She is keen to warn other motorists about the risk of receiving the fines when driving through the zone.
Frances told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “It was very unclear how we should pay the £8 fee. There were no signs to be seen and I thought we would just be sent the bill based using the information on my number plate.”
“We certainly didn’t expected to pay a £60-a-day penalty that would double every 24 hours.”
“We were completely shocked when we got back to Burnham and found a letter asking us to pay £120. I immediately appealed against it on the grounds that not enough information is displayed in London.”
“The case was heard in the summer and adjourned. We’ve asked several traffic wardens in London about how you pay and many couldn’t provide a definitive answer.”
“When the case was heard, the adjudicator’s decision went against me and I was asked to pay the full amount, but I fought the judgement again on the grounds that even the traffic wardens don’t know how to pay.”
“Again, the decision went against me and I reluctantly paid the full amount, however during the last week I have received a new letter recommending that I do not pay as my case is being considered again.”
“I have a growing pile of paperwork on the case and it’s still uncertain how it will end. It amazes me that the company that oversees the congestion charge is a commercial enterprise that earns money by being evasive with information about how to pay.”
“I feel strongly that people should know about this and am keen to avoid others getting caught out with penalty fees.”
“I’m not trying to avoid paying the congestion charge, but am amazed that it is so difficult to pay.”
