Author Topic: Blackwall Tunnel PCN despite registering for Autopay  (Read 648 times)

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Blackwall Tunnel PCN despite registering for Autopay
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We registered 2 vehicles and the payment details for autopay on 13th November.  Didn't think to take a screenshot.

Shocked to have received a couple of PCNs from last week and there may be some more on the way.

Logged into the account and it shows no vehicles (we have now set this up).

Definitely set this all up initially and internet history shows activity on that day although it refreshes the page so not able to see actual page.

I don't think it would be possible to add a second vehicle if the first hadn't been input nor would it have asked for payment options - Direct Debit or monthly.  This was all selected.  Could this be an error on TfL's end?

Do I have grounds for appealing?

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Re: Blackwall Tunnel PCN despite registering for Autopay
« Reply #1 on: »
So you set up an Autopay account but would seem not to have added the vehicles, which is cleary essential in order for it to work.
I suggest you post some information on your account, suitably redacted so we can see the order of events on the account. Please also post a list of the PCNs with their date. It will be possible to submit representations that you set up an Autopay account but were only alerted to a problem with the account when PCN <number> arrived in the post. You then request all the PCNs prior to the date of arrival of that PCN to be cancelled on the basis that you were not aware Autopay wasn't taking the toll fees.

Re: Blackwall Tunnel PCN despite registering for Autopay
« Reply #2 on: »
Registered for Autopay 13th November.

Added 2 vehicles and payment details all set up.

Received PCNs this week as follows:

19 November 12:00 PCN dated 25 November
20 November 09:06 PCN dated 26 November
21 November 14:52 PCN dated 27 November
23 November 10:19 PCN dated 28 November

Do you require the PCN numbers or not necessary?


Re: Blackwall Tunnel PCN despite registering for Autopay
« Reply #3 on: »
I've taken another letter posted here and amended it.  Can I post here to check if it is OK to appeal with? (Do I remove PCN number or not necessary?)

Re: Blackwall Tunnel PCN despite registering for Autopay
« Reply #4 on: »
I've taken another letter posted here and amended it.  Can I post here to check if it is OK to appeal with? (Do I remove PCN number or not necessary?)
Please post it as if it came from you, but obviously redact name and address.

Re: Blackwall Tunnel PCN despite registering for Autopay
« Reply #5 on: »
Autopay is a second step. The first is a TFL account to which you can add vehicles. Then you can set up autopay and add vehicles to that.

This catches a lot out as each vehicle must be added to autopay even if it's on the main account and one car is already on autopay.

When you say logged into the account and it shows no vehicles, was it none on the main account?

Can you think back to what you did?

I have two cars on the account and one is on autopay - looks like this:


Re: Blackwall Tunnel PCN despite registering for Autopay
« Reply #6 on: »
Yes it now looks like this.  Planning to send this:


I am writing to formally contest the four Penalty Charge Notices I received, numbered YJ82688205, YJ82720840, YJ82752723 and YJ82858269 for allegedly driving through the Blackwall Tunnel without paying the charge on the 19th, 20th, 21st and 23rd November 2025.

I rely on keeping my vehicle registered for various autopay accounts to ensure compliance with congestion zones and other toll areas. On the 4th November, 2025, I purchased a new vehicle and am confident I updated the TfL autopay list together with a second vehicle on the 13th November 2025.

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

On the 1st December 2025 I received these 4 Penalty Notices – dated 25th, 26th, 27th and 28th November.  Upon checking my account again I discovered that neither of the vehicles were registered. This raises the possibility of a fault within the TfL system that prevented my initial update from being processed. Additionally, the lack of communication hindered my ability to rectify the situation before unknowingly entering the tunnel.

However, upon attempting to add the vehicle again on this date, it appeared to be successful.

Penalty Charge Notices and Unhelpful Response:

I contacted TfL using the number provided on the challenge form (0343 222 2222) on the 1st November. Unfortunately, the representative I spoke with stated that this must not have been set up.

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 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 PCNs YJ82688205, YJ82720840, YJ82752723 and YJ82858269 as well as any other PCNs that may have been issued prior to 1st December on the basis that I was unaware that Autopay was not taking the toll fees.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response.



Re: Blackwall Tunnel PCN despite registering for Autopay
« Reply #7 on: »
Definitely registered 2 vehicles and card details and payment option.

I don't think it's possible to add a second vehicle if the first one hasn't been put on yet so clearly I added the first vehicle and then the second and then put in payment details and Direct Debit option.  Confident of that.  I'm the last person who wants a PCN!

Re: Blackwall Tunnel PCN despite registering for Autopay
« Reply #8 on: »
I'm still confused.

You had a TFL account - yes?

You successfully added two vehicles to the account?

You failed only to get them on autopay?


Re: Blackwall Tunnel PCN despite registering for Autopay
« Reply #9 on: »
Added the vehicles and payment details.

Now received PCNs.  Only possible thing I'm thinking is a glitch.  I didn't imagine I did it. And I added a second vehicle, surely that means there was a first. After receiving PCN and checking the account the information wasn't there but I definitely put it on and chose autopay.  That was the idea.

Re: Blackwall Tunnel PCN despite registering for Autopay
« Reply #10 on: »
You didn't answer my questions.

Re: Blackwall Tunnel PCN despite registering for Autopay
« Reply #11 on: »
Had an account added vehiclessnd details. Seems it failed along the line without notifying me.  Since set up. Does this clarify?