Free Traffic Legal Advice

Live cases legal advice => Civil penalty charge notices (Councils, TFL and so on) => Topic started by: Aitch on July 13, 2026, 10:03:05 pm

Title: Re: Dart Charge - Enforcement Commenced
Post by: Incandescent on July 13, 2026, 11:41:35 pm
Very difficult to advise without sight of documents.

It sounds like all the enforcement documents went to their old address, and were unpaid or unanswered, so the debt was registered at the Traffic Enforcement Centre. An Order for Recovery would have been sent out to the same old address. After no response, bailiffs have been instructed. The legal process is for them to send a letter out advising of the debt, plus a £75 fee. If this is unanswered, a visit is made and this costs £235. After that, if not payment is made, they can seize goods and also goods on the highway, which usually means their car.

So can you please explain what is meant here: -
Quote
They recently moved to a new address and changed their vehicle registration at the start of March. The vehicle was still registered elsewhere whilst living at the new address. They only recently remembered to change it.
Either the V5C was updated in March or it wasn't and has only recently (when ??) been done.

So we need to see posted photos here of what documents they have received.

The process to revert the matter back to the PCN is one of submitting an Out-of-Time Witness Statement to TEC. Two forms are needed (1) TE9 Witness Statement, and (2) TE7 Permission to submit WS out-of-time

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/form-te9-dart-charge-mersey-gateway-clear-air-zones-challenge-a-traffic-enforcement-order

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/form-te7-dart-charge-mersey-gateway-clear-air-zones-apply-for-more-time-to-challenge-a-traffic-enforcement-order

These forms can be downloaded from TEC. Great care is needed when completing them, so it might be best if you contact: -
www.bailiffadviceonline.co.uk

For a small fee they will complete and submit the forms for you, but as they are out-of-time, the DART management can object, and if they do the submission is rejected.

Edit
The bailiff fees have recently increased slightly: -
Compliance Stage (£79): Added as soon as the debt is passed to the bailiffs and a Notice of Enforcement is sent.
Enforcement Stage (£247): Added if you do not pay or set up an arrangement by the date specified in the initial notice. An extra 7.5% is charged on the value of the debt exceeding £1,900.

So the amount being demanded by the bailiffs should be made up of the following amounts:
- Original PCN               £70
- Charge Certificate (50%)   £35
- TEC Registration           £10
- Compliance Stage letter    £79
- Enforcement Stage visit    £247
---------------------------------
Total                        £441
---------------------------------
Title: Dart Charge - Enforcement Commenced
Post by: Aitch on July 13, 2026, 10:03:05 pm
Hello, I am writing this on behalf of someone else.


The individual in question used the Dartford crossing in February of this year and wasn't aware of the requirement to pay. Yesterday, they had a visit from an enforcement officer demanding payment.

Some context: both they and their daughter are disabled, suffering from mental and physical disabilities. Their daughter regularly attends Great Ormond Street Hospital.

They recently moved to a new address and changed their vehicle registration at the start of March. The vehicle was still registered elsewhere whilst living at the new address. They only recently remembered to change it. The only letter they received (at the new address) was for the enforcement process having commenced at the start of June.

I don't think that their vehicle is registered in the Disabled Taxation class, as the DVLA form says Diesel Vehicle on the taxation part. I don't even think they were aware of the ability to do so.

The officer informed me that I could appeal with a TEC form. He half-heartedly mentioned the witness statement form, but wasn't sure.

What would be the best way to approach this?

Any guidance is appreciated. Thanks.