Free Traffic Legal Advice

AS I said in the "other place", there appear to be errors on both sides here; you are convinced you updated your TfL Autopay account, yet got two PCNs shortly after your update that suggest no Auto[ay update, or an un-noticed error when entering the update.  However, TfL seem to be remiss in not responding to your enquiries promptly, or even at all. For this reason if it were me I would be submitting representations rather than just coughing-up, and also take them to London Tribunals if they prove obdurate.

Is it possible for your to post-up here the account details of your Autopay account, suitably redacted of course ? I would expect to see an audit trail for updates for vehicles on the account.

Hi,

I've attached what I think you mean by audit trail. I've attached my browser history of me visiting the pages to add the vehicle unfortunately I don't have any pictures or reference of adding the vehicle on that day.

But surely in my favor you can see that on the correspondence history there is no mention of me sending the message to TFL but I have the proof by me luckily taking a picture showing it alongside the reference number. Yes there has been no response at all from my enquiry. I'm willing to go all the way to a tribunal rather than cough up. It would be cheaper than paying even the discounted rate of £90 each PCN.

I've also attached a picture of the date it's showing of me successfully adding the vehicle the 2nd time on the 24.03.24 

I hope I have added the correct information you guys were asking for by audit trail here. Is there anything else that you need to see, I'll be happy to provide it.

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

Ok, that's fine I will try the route that you are suggesting here is a copy of my representation that I will submit. Please tell me if I should change anything.




MY NAME
MY ADDRESS

Congestion Charging
PO Box 340
Darlington
DL1 9PZ

Date 07/04/2024

Dear Transport for London,

Representation for Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) Numbers: [LP05655266] & [LP0573573A]

I am writing to formally contest the two Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) I received, numbered [LP05655266] and [LP0573573A] for allegedly driving in the Congestion Zone without paying the charge on the 19th and 20th of March, 2024.

I am a registered Private Hire Driver in London and rely on keeping my vehicle registered for various autopay accounts to ensure compliance with congestion zones and other toll areas. On the 14th of March, 2024, I purchased a new vehicle and am confident I updated the TfL autopay list on the following day, March 15th. This is because I simultaneously updated my autopay details for other frequently used toll systems like Dartford Crossing, Heathrow, and Gatwick.

Attempt to Update Autopay, Missed Communication, and Potential System Fault:

While I cannot be certain of the exact date due to the lack of a response, I did submit a message through my TfL account around this time. The message explained that I had attempted to add the new vehicle to the autopay list but it wasn't showing up. I requested them to verify its inclusion. Unfortunately, I received no acknowledgment of this message, and it's not present in my account's correspondence history.

After a week, I checked my account again and discovered the new vehicle wasn't registered. This raises the possibility of a fault within the TfL system that prevented my initial update from being processed. Additionally, the lack of response to my message significantly hindered my ability to rectify the situation before unknowingly entering the congestion zone.

Second Attempt and Frustrating Outcome:

On the 24th of March, I sent another message reiterating the previous issue and requesting assistance. Once again, there was no response. However, upon attempting to add the vehicle again on this date, it appeared to be successful.

Penalty Charge Notices and Unhelpful Response:

Despite my efforts, I received the PCNs a few days later, dated around the 28th of March. These were for the 19th and 20th of March entries into the congestion zone.

I contacted TfL using the number provided on the challenge form (0343 222 2222) on the 3rd of April. Unfortunately, the representative I spoke with was dismissive, stating that my past history of using autopay doesn't excuse the current situation.

Reason for Appeal:

I believe these PCNs were issued unfairly. I take responsibility for ensuring my vehicle is registered for the Congestion Charge, and I demonstrably attempted to update the autopay list on a timely basis. The lack of acknowledgment or response to my initial messages further compounded the issue.  The potential for a system fault that prevented the initial update and the lack of communication are concerning aspects of this situation.

Request:

Considering the documented efforts to update my autopay information, my history of responsible toll payments, and the possibility of a system fault along with the lack of communication, I kindly request a full cancellation of both PCNs, [LP05655266] and [LP0573573A].

Supporting Evidence:

I can provide a copy of the vehicle registration document for my new car, dated March 14th, 2024.
I can provide screenshots of the autopay sections for other toll systems (Dartford Crossing, Heathrow, Gatwick) showing the updated details for my new vehicle.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

MY NAME
MY EMAIL ADDRESS

Hi,

Thanks I've submitted both representations, unfortunately I noticed whilst on the website that there are 2 more PCN for the same thing coming my way, I haven't received them in the post yet but I saw it whilst submitting the representation. I took a screenshot and attached here.

Also I looked in my spam folder which I rarely do but I noticed that TFL did actually respond to me on the last message I sent to them dated 24.03.24. But there is definitely some issue on there side as even on my account correspondence page on it showed there had been no messages from either side since 2022.

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

Update!

Hi guys, thanks so much for the advice! Following the steps shown above, TFL have cancelled all 4 PCNs! 

I've attached the picture of the letter received.

Thanks Again!



[ Guests cannot view attachments ]