Free Traffic Legal Advice

Hi all,

I’ve received another PCN for entering the Congestion Charge zone due to a diversion. The notice arrived by post from TfL yesterday.

I recall only entering the zone at Swinton Place because Swinton Street was closed, blocking access to Gray's Inn Road. The roads around that area are all one-way, so making a U-turn or diverting elsewhere wasn’t possible.

My intended route was towards King’s Cross (which is outside the Congestion Charge zone), so I had no reason to enter the zone under normal circumstances.

I’ve seen others on this forum mention this same diversion causing problems. I had no choice but to go down Swinton Place, and honestly, I didn’t even consider the Congestion Charge at the time—I was only in the zone for about a minute. The PCN is dated 30/03/2025.

Long shot—but does anyone happen to have a photo of the road closure on that date (30/03/25)?

I’ve already appealed, thinking it would be straightforward, but they rejected it. How can the road be closed, yet they have no record of it? It honestly feels like a scam.

I wonder how many fines were issued that day, and how many appeals were made. Some people probably had evidence, but TfL won't share any of that info. It just feels like they're squeezing people into paying.

At this point, I’m leaning toward paying it off, because it doesn’t feel worth the hassle of going to a tribunal.

Any advice?

Thank you!

Hi,

My sister and I received the same PCN because we were diverted via Swindon Place into the congestion charge, we are awaiting a decision, but might be worth us communicating on how to appeal the PCN together?

Yo

Hello all,

I have had progress, as I reached out to the ROI team via: https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/transparency/freedom-of-information

I asked: Please can I request data for road works and road closures on Swinton Street, London WC1X between 30/03/2025 and 03/04/2025. This is a road that runs between Kings Cross Road and Grays Inn Road, in London. The request is for information on when the road closure had started and ended and what notice TFL were provided of the closure, as well as where road signs were placed to notify drivers of the road closure. I also request information confirming when the congestion charging due to the road closure was suspended or amended.

Response from FOI team: https://imgur.com/a/iPlXP0w

Seems they are aware of the closure but are such a large company, that they dont work together.

Yo, let me know if you want any further information and i would be happy to help.

Yesterday, I also received the same PCN on the 30/03/25 at 3pm. Could you also send me the FOI response to use in the appeal please.
Thank you.

I also had a charge (Autopay) for Swinton St / Swinton Place on 30 March 2025 at 18:18.  The road was blocked and a short diversion was in place.  My appeal has been rejected and I have gone to a stage 1 complaint on a point of principle.  They say that there was no official road closure, which is not believable as this is the main route towards Euston Rd and the A40 / M40.  Happy to share with anyone who wants to see justice.  The £15 is not the issue but if everyone rolls over TfL will not learn to treat honest motorists fairly.