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Live cases legal advice => Civil penalty charge notices (Councils, TFL and so on) => Topic started by: harbourlights on August 05, 2024, 02:04:33 am

Title: Re: ULEZ - Missing PCNs and Charge Certificates
Post by: harbourlights on August 19, 2024, 11:40:15 am
Perfect, thank you!


cheers


James
Title: Re: ULEZ - Missing PCNs and Charge Certificates
Post by: H C Andersen on August 19, 2024, 07:33:37 am
Normally the enforcement authority has a limited time in which to issue a new PCN following TEC's decision. IMO, if they were to issue a new PCN before making a refund then they would be attempting double recovery and could be challenged on the following grounds:

(e) that the penalty charge exceeded the amount applicable in the circumstances of the case;

I'm not certain of the time limit for issuing a new PCN, perhaps another poster could assist. If this period is relatively short e.g. 28 day etc, then I would not chase TfL, instead I'd hope that their left and fight hands aren't on speaking terms and they'll either attempt double recovery or miss the PCN time limit.

Wait for others.
Title: Re: ULEZ - Missing PCNs and Charge Certificates
Post by: harbourlights on August 19, 2024, 01:05:23 am
Apologies for the slow reply - a busy few days. Thanks again for your reply.


It seems deeply unfortunate that an innocent mistake can be so costly, but I accept that we're not going to change that, so it is as it is. It's a bonus that (hopefully) one of the two PCNs will ultimately be less costly than we expected. Is paying just £90 for that a likely outcome (assuming we get on with it once the new PCN arrives)?


Would it be sensible to be proactive in contacting TfL, or can we trust that they will issue a refund? I have no doubt that they will comply with the order of the court and cancel the OfR and CC and reissue the PCN, but us having jumped the gun and paid in full for both PCNs does complicate things a little.


cheers


James
Title: Re: ULEZ - Missing PCNs and Charge Certificates
Post by: H C Andersen on August 16, 2024, 08:14:16 pm
You're trying to rationalise a legal process governed by strict time periods and procedures and, sorry to focus on this, a mistake made by you(and the solicitor) in not completing the form correctly.

Anyway, as explained by others the ship of the refused SD has sailed, if not in terms of time then certainly in terms of financial outcomes.

Wait for TfL to refund the penalty, issue a new PCN and then move ahead with this.
Title: Re: ULEZ - Missing PCNs and Charge Certificates
Post by: harbourlights on August 16, 2024, 05:15:56 pm
Thanks for your reply.


You're right in that had a mistake not been made, the first attempt at the SDs may well have been successful, but we're all human and all make mistakes. If fair allowance is not given for a simple, honest mistake on an unfamiliar form, that seems deeply unfortunate. However, two identical PE2s had a different outcome, and (as mdann52 pointed out) the difference is that TfL failed to contest one of them. It also strikes me as unfair that TfL submitted two sides of A4 in response to our tiny boxes of writing on the PE2 and PE3 - had we known we could attach a separate sheet, we would have done so (and no doubt constructed a more compelling argument in the process!), but when there's no indication that you're allowed to do that, and you've just had two forms rejected for minor admin issues, I think we can be forgiven for thinking we had to stick to the rules!


The SD for the second OfR was submitted together with the first (and stamped as received by the TEC well within 21 days, despite a 9-day postal delay). Of course both initial SDs contained the same error (role of "verifier" not specified - both my other half and the solicitor missed that this was necessary). The second attempt was corrected, but she then ran into the issue she needed a PE2 for each PCN, but only submitted one to cover both.


However, I would argue that both errors could at least in part (to the point where the benefit of the doubt could be given) be explained by the process:

1) That the forms originally supplied (with a green-printed background) did not highlight in (unprinted) white, unlike everywhere else on the form, that the respondent had to complete the section regarding the role of the "verifier". Ironically, the plain black/white copy one can download is clearer in this regard.

2) That (for the second attempt) the TEC supplied two PE3s and one PE2, implying that one PE2 would do the job for both, when it would not.
...of course this argument might not get me far, and point 1 seems particularly difficult to argue in the cold light of day, but if two intelligent graduate professionals (my other half and the solicitor) could get it wrong, one might argue that the process is unclear and not fit for purpose!


Would a full breakdown of the timeline in list form be useful? I appreciate that it's all dotted around this thread in response to specific questions.


cheers


James
Title: Re: ULEZ - Missing PCNs and Charge Certificates
Post by: H C Andersen on August 16, 2024, 09:54:41 am
Thank you.

As regards the second OfR, was this submitted in time?

I get the feeling there's a simple chain of events here which is desperately trying to make its voice heard.

Your first SD failed not because of RM or TEC or TfL, it failed because you did not complete it correctly. Everything else flowed from this trigger*.

*- The 21-day clock doesn't stop when you submit an invalid SD, c'est la vie. Just as TEC are obliged to revoke an OfR merely on an owner's claim, so they are able to judge between opposing claims if the 21-day limit is breached. I'm afraid you gave them this opportunity.
Title: Re: ULEZ - Missing PCNs and Charge Certificates
Post by: harbourlights on August 16, 2024, 01:06:14 am
Many thanks mdann52 - some very useful comments there.


You're absolutely right. I hadn't noticed, but TfL only made representations to the court in relation to one of the two PCNs - the one for which the PE2 was rejected. I hadn't noticed that the response only had one PCN number on it. That almost certainly explains the situation.


A helpful comment about one PE2 judgement not setting a precedent for the other - thank you. It seems frustrating that TfL's opinion is enough to swing the verdict. You would think that, like with the Small Claims Court (at least as I understand it), the "little guy" is given the reasonable benefit of the doubt when dealing with a larger entity which does this day-in, day-out (and can afford legal professionals without batting an eyelid). The facts on both PE2s are still the same, and are presumably either valid grounds for appeal or not, so I'm not sure why TfL saying "not our problem if you misunderstand / make an innocent mistake on the form and don't get a replacement submitted in time because of two 9-day postal delays" has any influence on that. Whoever made the second judgement clearly accepted that we had done our best, however flawed that was. However, it is as it is, we're trying to be pragmatic, and I don't think we have much appetite to fight this as a matter of principle unless there's a high chance of success, so your feedback on that point is appreciated.


For the avoidance of doubt, the three 9+ day delays have all come since supplying our new address, so the redirection isn't in play there. I suspect that the TEC have sat on them like a chicken on an egg - both when sending and receiving them. Our post is normally very reliable, so I'm highly suspicious that the common denominator here is the efficiency of the TEC. Annoying, when TfL used "postal issues" being the defendant's problem as one of the reasons they feel the unsuccessful PE2 should be rejected (which it was, of course). Ironically, the only pieces of correspondence to arrive via redirection (the two OfRs) both arrived quite quickly, from memory!


It sounds like it would be pragmatic to be proactive with TfL, and contact them about next steps with the PCN with the upheld SD. Thank you again for all of your advice here.


cheers


James
Title: Re: ULEZ - Missing PCNs and Charge Certificates
Post by: harbourlights on August 16, 2024, 12:45:52 am
Thanks for your replies, both.



Reply to HC Anderson first:


Both PCNs issued: 5th January 2024*

Both CCs issued: 28th February 2024*

Both OfRs issued: 9th April 2024


*Only gleaned via PCN look-up, as she never received them.


Redirection commenced 14 Jan for 3 months, later extended (because this was dragging on), without a break, to a total of 9 (hence still active, although both TfL and TEC are now corresponding with her at our new address, so it will probably not be extended further).


TfL made reference in their representations to the court (re: PE2) to the PCN not having been challenged within 21 days as claimed, but that is not what was claimed - the form says that the OfR was responded to within 21 days (albeit rejected because of an admin issue), as required. Perhaps not pivotal, but feels like they've scored an unfair point there. Hopefully the officer of the court can read!


cheers


James
Title: Re: ULEZ - Missing PCNs and Charge Certificates
Post by: H C Andersen on August 15, 2024, 09:13:07 am
If only for my interest, can you pl, pl get back to the issue I raised.

All that's needed is dates:

For

PCN 1 issued *****;
PCN 2 issued *****;
CC 1 issued ******;
CC2 issued ******;
OfR 1 ******;
OfR2 issued *****

Redirection commenced 14 Jan for ****** weeks/months (the key point you've not mentioned).

Trying to square the above with:

The first we heard of enforcement action was when we received the Order for Recovery [for which OfR] from the TEC (via postal redirection), quite a long time after the event.

Title: Re: ULEZ - Missing PCNs and Charge Certificates
Post by: mdann52 on August 15, 2024, 07:49:11 am

1) Presumably she can get a £189 refund. Is that something to refer to TfL?

Arguably, she should get a full refund and be given the opportunity to pay at the reduced rate or make representations. The balls in TfLs court to reissue the PCN, but they should refund you if you contact them (this may also be done automatically, but I'm not sure how reliable TfL's systems are nowadays!)



2) Why on earth would two identical PE2 & PE3 forms result in different judgements?

Just out of interest - do you know if TfL opposed them both? If they didn't oppose one, either through an admin issue or incompetence, then that might explain it


3) Does this inconsistency open the door for the first PE2/PE3 to be reconsidered, and is there a process for doing that? Would that be one of the two (at-cost) appeal routes outlined in the rejection letter? If the appeal is upheld, is the appeal cost refunded (by TfL?)?

No, as each PE2/3 is considered independently and doesn't set a precedent. If you want it reviewed you need to apply on an N244, which comes with a £109/£307 fee from memory, depending if the hearing is on papers or in person.

As long as the judge has acted lawfully in rejecting the PE2, the decision will be upheld.


4) (Slightly flippantly) What on earth are Royal Mail playing at? That is the third time in relation to this matter that there has been a 9-day delay in the post...not to mention serious question marks about the original PCN and Charge Certificate. We don't generally have postal issues, so forgive my cynicism...but is it possible that the problems here do not, in fact, relate to Royal Mail at all, and that TfL potentially failed to post the PCN and CC, and that the TEC are not processing their post in a timely manner (in either direction)? Is there any grounds for taking that up with an appropriate body? Significant delays on the part of the TEC might seem like pedantry, but not when they have rejected a PE2 which was required, at least in part, by "postal issues".


cheers


James

There will be a delay between an order being made and it being sent it. If different sorting offices are involved, 9 days isn't unreasonable for redirected first class post, given how the system works.
Title: Re: ULEZ - Missing PCNs and Charge Certificates
Post by: harbourlights on August 14, 2024, 10:22:21 pm
An update...as if it couldn't get any more ridiculous!


I'm not sure if I mentioned this previously, but this thread was started in response to receiving notification of rejection of one of two PE2 (for one of two PE3s, and in turn of one two PCNs). That rejection was dated the 1st of August (see above). Given that both PCNs, PE3s and PE2s were essentially identical, I assumed that a further letter rejecting the second one would shortly be received. We paid both penalties (2x £279).


Yesterday, I believe it would be 9 days later, a new letter from the TEC has arrived, also dated 1st August, upholding the second PE2 (and hence PE3), and ordering the that the order for recovery be revoked and the Charge Certificate be cancelled. It is my assumption that TfL should now re-issue the PCN, and she could just pay the £90...except she's already paid £279 in relation to that offence.


I have four questions for your kind consideration:

1) Presumably she can get a £189 refund. Is that something to refer to TfL?

2) Why on earth would two identical PE2 & PE3 forms result in different judgements?

3) Does this inconsistency open the door for the first PE2/PE3 to be reconsidered, and is there a process for doing that? Would that be one of the two (at-cost) appeal routes outlined in the rejection letter? If the appeal is upheld, is the appeal cost refunded (by TfL?)?

4) (Slightly flippantly) What on earth are Royal Mail playing at? That is the third time in relation to this matter that there has been a 9-day delay in the post...not to mention serious question marks about the original PCN and Charge Certificate. We don't generally have postal issues, so forgive my cynicism...but is it possible that the problems here do not, in fact, relate to Royal Mail at all, and that TfL potentially failed to post the PCN and CC, and that the TEC are not processing their post in a timely manner (in either direction)? Is there any grounds for taking that up with an appropriate body? Significant delays on the part of the TEC might seem like pedantry, but not when they have rejected a PE2 which was required, at least in part, by "postal issues".


cheers


James
Title: Re: ULEZ - Missing PCNs and Charge Certificates
Post by: harbourlights on August 07, 2024, 01:06:58 am
Thanks - that's good to know for the future. Although hopefully there isn't a "future" event!


Sadly, we used our initiative when they supplied two PE3s and one PE2, wrote both PCN numbers on the single PE2 (and what was to say that that wasn't the correct procedure?), and the TEC rejected it as incorrectly completed (and had the cheek to put a large question mark in highlighter pen next to the twin PCN numbers, as if we'd written something utterly incomprehensible!). My assumption from that point was that they work in the straightest of straight lines, even if it's blindingly obvious to anyone reading that form what was intended.


Anyway, I definitely am rambling now. I think we know what we need to do. Thanks all for your assistance - much appreciated!


cheers


James
Title: Re: ULEZ - Missing PCNs and Charge Certificates
Post by: Neil B on August 06, 2024, 07:44:08 pm


Perhaps it's obvious if you read these things all the time and know the processes and terminology, but (frankly) I'm not stupid, so if I'm having trouble deciphering it all for the first time, heaven help the majority of the population!
As you can see, space is extremely limited, and full sentences were not really possible. It is not clear if you could attach a fuller explanation on a separate sheet, but I assume not
Of course you could. You should never try to write in the box and I always use 'see attached, typed statement'.
But, as you correctly say, how are you, or Joe Public, to know.
Title: Re: ULEZ - Missing PCNs and Charge Certificates
Post by: harbourlights on August 06, 2024, 06:01:51 pm
Thanks for your replies. All greatly appreciated.


Perhaps it's obvious if you read these things all the time and know the processes and terminology, but (frankly) I'm not stupid, so if I'm having trouble deciphering it all for the first time, heaven help the majority of the population!


Here are the extracts from the final PE3 and PE2 forms (with old address detail redacted):

(https://i.ibb.co/T2WGrjH/PE3.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/FbDnwzc/PE2.jpg)


As you can see, space is extremely limited, and full sentences were not really possible. It is not clear if you could attach a fuller explanation on a separate sheet, but I assume not (given the harsh/petty two-PCN-numbers-on-one-PE2 rejection). Of course TfL afforded themselves the luxury of a side and a half of A4 in their comments in response to this for the attention of the court officer. Anyway, these were her best efforts, for right or wrong. She also happens to be dyslexic, which doesn't help.


cheers


James
Title: Re: ULEZ - Missing PCNs and Charge Certificates
Post by: Neil B on August 06, 2024, 05:35:17 pm
I can only conclude that paying it, as you've suggested, is the best course before bailiffs are engaged.

You might see this as unfair but it would otherwise depend on what you finally submitted to TEC.
You haven't shown us that but it's what they have made a decision on.
Title: Re: ULEZ - Missing PCNs and Charge Certificates
Post by: Neil B on August 06, 2024, 05:26:24 pm
Thanks for your replies.


Sorry Neil - perhaps I am waffling in your eyes, but I am just trying to explain the situation as best I can. This is all entirely alien to me, and there's quite a lot to it.

The first PCN is XJ14734752, and the VRM is SC58BEE. That should take you to the second one, also.
I said so because you asked lots of questions that are actually answered by the forms you completed, i.e. they explain what they are.

I need to check back on the thread now to understand your position.
Title: Re: ULEZ - Missing PCNs and Charge Certificates
Post by: harbourlights on August 06, 2024, 10:46:09 am
Thanks for your replies.


Sorry Neil - perhaps I am waffling in your eyes, but I am just trying to explain the situation as best I can. This is all entirely alien to me, and there's quite a lot to it.

The first PCN is XJ14734752, and the VRM is SC58BEE. That should take you to the second one, also.

They have listed a huge gap between the registration of the debt (9th April, the first correspondence we received being on the 12th) and the receipt of the Statutory Declaration (OoT) - 28th May - but this included two rounds of pedantic rejections from the TEC. The first PE3 was sent to the TEC on the 16th April, and everything was returned as quickly as we could.


To answer your questions, H C Andersen:

In terms of calling it quits and just paying up, I called the TEC earlier, who referred me to TFL. They confirmed that if the charges against the PCNs are still on their website, it hasn't gone to debt recovery yet, and they can just be paid, and that's the end of it. I suspect that (unless someone can see a rabbit which can be pulled from a hat) that's what we'll do, wish for a plague on all their houses, and draw a line under it!


Thanks again for all your help, all.


cheers


James
Title: Re: ULEZ - Missing PCNs and Charge Certificates
Post by: H C Andersen on August 06, 2024, 07:02:47 am
OP, what happens next is that TfL would apply to TEC to issue a warrant of control which ultimately would enable their enforcement agents(AKA bailiffs) to add a fee of £75 to the penalties and send the keeper Notices of Enforcement.

The keeper has until 19th August to submit form N244 in order to challenge the court officer's decision and stay this process.

But can we get back to facts pl.

To return to the law. You posted:
Neither the PCNs nor the Charge Certificates were received. This is most likely due to a house move. She misplaced her V5C, and didn't apply for a new one (at the new address) until she'd turned all the packing boxes at the new house upside down. Furthermore, a postal redirection wasn't in place until just over two weeks after the offending dates.

What were the dates of issue of the CCs and OfRs?
What was the redirection put in place (these are person specific) and what proof do you have?

The out of date V5C is something of a red herring because even if it wasn't changed all mail addressed to a party covered by the redirection would have been received at the new address. It's not out of date V5Cs which is a recurring problem, it's that occupiers don't redirect their mail. But she did, eventually.
Title: Re: ULEZ - Missing PCNs and Charge Certificates
Post by: Neil B on August 06, 2024, 05:06:11 am
You waffle sooooo much.

What are the PCN numbers and the vrm?
Title: Re: ULEZ - Missing PCNs and Charge Certificates
Post by: harbourlights on August 06, 2024, 01:40:52 am
Thanks for your replies, both.


I agree with the rather brutal reality of your statement, Incandescent. I don't like it...but, pragmatically, if she accepts that the undelivered PCN was her fault (which it probably was), and if the £279 per-PCN from the OfR still applies, everything afterwards (which arguable was not her fault) hasn't actually increased the size of the penalties appreciably, so there's very little point in railing against it any further.


When she responded to the OfR with a Statutory Declaration, our new address was provided, and that has been used by both TfL and the TEC ever since. Both entities have used the new address correctly previously, but it was incorrectly rendered by the TEC (in two ways, I've just noticed) in their most recent correspondence (i.e. our address on the latest TEC letter is wrong in two places). I think that's probably an irrelevance, though.


Latest letter (with name, address and PCN number redacted) as follows:

(https://i.ibb.co/wRLLctz/TEC1.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/0yxbnzp/TEC2.jpg)


My reading of that is that the PE2 has been rejected, which in turn means the PE3 has been rejected, and we're back to square one (i.e. the terms of the OfR). What's not clear is what happens next, and if we need to do anything at this stage, or wait for further correspondence.


Can I come back to the earlier questions? I'm going to assume that the failure of RM to deliver (at least) the CC is not going to get us anywhere (even though it's not actually our fault either!)...but what about the procedure from here, if we conclude that we just want to cough up and draw a line under it? It's far from clear what we do next.


1) Will a further demand be made, or (without them specifying such) should we refer back to the original OfR (which states a figure and how to pay)? It has taken the TEC almost two months to respond, and I'm reluctant to just sit and wait, especially given the record in the case of post going missing. I don't want my first ever visit from a bailiff (or to pay their fees!).


2) Should we contact the TEC (or TfL) for clarification to expedite a resolution?


Even leaving aside the bitter taste in the mouth left by the appeals process (which feels unfair and unjust, to say the least), the clarity over the procedure is exceptionally poor, and I'm left extremely nervous about what might happen next.


cheers


James
Title: Re: ULEZ - Missing PCNs and Charge Certificates
Post by: Incandescent on August 05, 2024, 09:59:08 pm
The basic problem is you not updating your V5 on or shortly after your house move.  The Charge Certificate, like all the other statutory enforcement documents, was sent by TfL to the V5 address obtained from DVLA. So they are not at fault. Basically, if you are unwilling to pay the review fee, it is pay-up time.
Title: Re: ULEZ - Missing PCNs and Charge Certificates
Post by: H C Andersen on August 05, 2024, 08:57:07 pm
They have also misspelled our address

Who misspelled your address, Royal Mail or TfL? The address being the 'wrong' V5C address or what?

Post TEC's rejection pl. This would tell you exactly what options are available and the time frame involved.
Title: Re: ULEZ - Missing PCNs and Charge Certificates
Post by: harbourlights on August 05, 2024, 06:42:36 pm
Thanks for your reply, which I think confirms my thinking - that there aren't any viable grounds for appeal, that leniency isn't going to be shown, and that the only option now is to pay up. On that basis, I didn't think it worth posting full details and asking for actual help - just asking a few specific questions about the procedure - I don't want to waste anyone's time. Yes, undoubtedly all of her own making (and she is philosophical about having to pay, albeit begrudgingly, naturally), and I am a little frustrated that so many balls were dropped...but we are where we are.


The trouble is that I'm not particularly clear on exactly where we actually are! As far as I can see, we haven't ever been presented with an actual "bill" of what is owed (although it's possible that a number was presented in the first piece of correspondence which included the OfR), or told how to pay it.


Could I ask the following questions, please?


1) Given that the Charge Certificate should have been delivered (by that time a postal redirection was definitely in place), is there any mileage in pursuing that, or is it a dead end, and a Royal Mail failure is our problem, not TfL's? They have also misspelled our address, but it got to us nonetheless. I appreciate that we may well wish to just pay up to avoid risk of escalating costs, even if there were, say, a 75% chance of success.


2) The latest letter (dated 1st August) is not written in particularly plain English for the layperson, IMO, but appears to be suggesting that the PE2 has been refused (I'm guessing this is a "final refusal" letter you reference - happy to post a copy of that if it helps). This relates to one PCN, so presumably a second is on the way. Would we expect to receive further correspondence detailing what is now owed and what to pay?


3) Would it be sensible to contact the TEC to confirm the procedure from here?


Thanks again for your help.


cheers


James
Title: Re: ULEZ - Missing PCNs and Charge Certificates
Post by: Incandescent on August 05, 2024, 09:32:47 am
My, my, you are in a mess, and unfortunately, it is of your own making in not updating the V5 for the vehicle in a timely manner. Failure to update the V5 is the most common thing we see on here when bailiffs are at the door, but fortunately at the moment you aren't yet at that stage. However, with a final refusal letter of your PE2 from TEC, the problem is that things now get expensive. The reason is that once a Statutory Declaration has been refused by TEC, the review process costs a fair amount of money with no guarantee of success, and the fee is non-recoverable. TfL have sent all the enforcement documents to the address recorded by DVLA for your vehicle, so have acted legally. The address is only obtained once and then used for all the documents unless the owner responds to one of them and provides an updated address.


However, you haven't posted-up any documents so please read this and then update your thread.
https://www.ftla.uk/civil-penalty-charge-notices-(councils-tfl-and-so-on)/read-this-first-before-posting-your-case!-this-section-is-for-council-tfl-dartme/

How much is owing to TfL ? If you are not going to request a review of the TEC decision, it is now basically game-over, and time to pay.
Title: ULEZ - Missing PCNs and Charge Certificates
Post by: harbourlights on August 05, 2024, 02:04:33 am
Hi All,

I've just been writing for well over half any hour, made a typo, hit "Undo"...and everything I'd written vanished! Not an auspicious start!

My other half failed to pay the ULEZ charge on two consecutive days in December 2023, but the situation appears to have descended into a never-ending farce. The fact that I am writing about this in August 2024 tells a story! However, here are the salient points:



So...a bit of a mess!

A few questions, if I may:


Any thoughts on those points, or anything else, would be very much appreciated. Thanks for your time!


cheers


James