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Civil penalty charge notices (Councils, TFL and so on) / ULEZ fines for vehicle I sold before moving
« on: February 21, 2025, 01:26:52 pm »Sorry if this is a bit long winded, I purchased a motorbike in 2017 ahead of doing my direct access to do up, this was SORN'd and garraged while I did work on the bike, it was taken for an MOT in 2018 which it failed on a couple of points, I got these fixed but never got round to taking it back for an MOT as I had an accident which resulted in an open/tib fib fracture which to this date still hinders ability to ride a motorbike.
At the time I expected to recover and be able to ride again so left bike garaged where it remained until 2022 when I moved, As I did not want the hassle in getting the bike moved I deceided to sell it. I sold it cheaply on facebook marketplace and person came to collect it paying cash. I am sure I sent logbook off myself as I am normally very strict about this however with the stress of moving and the bike was one of many items I was getting rid of ahead of move I am now having doubts if I did.
I then moved shortly about a week after selling bike. (and then subsequently moved again 9 months later in the same area).
At the end of last year I received a letter at my current address from a debt collection agency for ~£2000 for 4 unpaid ULEZ fines (and subsequent charges etc...) from June-August 2023.
They did not want to enter a dialogue without DVLA letter and advised contacting TFL which only method of contact I could find was a webform - they never replied.
It then went to solicitors who were a bit more understanding and asked for following;
Proof of insurance cancellation (did not have this as bike was never insured) - they did ask for proof of insurance of another vehicle which I provided.
Proof of sale e.g. receipt - I have screenshots of conversation from facebook ending with him saying on his way but no actual receipt (sidenote any receipt would have been written by me so nothing stopping me writing one now and said this to solicitors, but for honesty I won't).
DVLA letter - and advised contacting DVLA to get reissued one (spoke with DVLA and provided them the same proof I provided solicitors e.g. screenshots etc...)
I also provided screenshots of my timeline (android phone) showing I was nowhere near London on any of the dates of fines.
I have since received an email back from solicitors to say that this cannot be accepted and nor will a DVLA letter alone be accepted if DVLA were to reissue, however they have marked the debt unpaid and returned it to TFL.
I have susbsequently received a letter from DVLA saying I am shown as no longer the keeper since 09/07/2023 (even more frustratingly after 3 of the fines but before 1 of them) and if incorrect wanting a receipt / bill of sale or written confirmation from purchaser (all of which I don't have nor likely to get purchaser to agree to write a letter knowing he'll then get these fines).
Checking DVLA / MID show bike was MOT'd/Taxed/Insured in June 2023 all before these fines took place.
I am at a total loss as what to do now, the fact solicitors have returned it to TFL suggests they are not going to take further action (on this occasion) regarding the debt but will no doubt keep getting chased. Part of me wants to take it to court and please my case there but I cannot risk having a CCJ if it ends up the same as current conversations have.
Really do not know what to do now, how to continue fighting this or is it a case of biting the bullet and paying.