PCN for Congestion Zone

Russinating · 27 Aug 2015 at 21:17

Was in London on 18/19th last week and couldn't pay whilst I was there as I didn't have my phone. Then forgot the day after and paid for both days on 21st.

I've had two PCN's through but their issue dates are 22nd (for the 18th) and 25th (for the 19th).

Where do I stand having paid for it before the charges were issued? Am I still up **** creek? Seems a bit crap as I'll have paid the £23 for the days already and then another £130 for the two PCNs which would be the charge had I not already paid anything.

Havana_UK · 27 Aug 2015 at 21:21

You're best asking them...not us!

Russinating · 27 Aug 2015 at 21:23

I would but the only number is for an automated payment line, it's not on their list of "reasons" and the only way of representing against a charge is by post.

Thought someone else may have had the same.

Haggisman · 27 Aug 2015 at 23:03

Unfortunately

"If you don't pay by midnight on the charging day after you drove in the zone, you'll get a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)."

Seems pretty clear :/

You might be able to claim the payments back, but I wouldn't count on it

mrk · 27 Aug 2015 at 23:52

Haggisman said:
Unfortunately

"If you don't pay by midnight on the charging day after you drove in the zone, you'll get a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)."

Seems pretty clear :/

You might be able to claim the payments back, but I wouldn't count on it

I paid a few hours after midnight almost 2 weeks ago and didn't get a PCN. I am assuming there's a grace period of at least a few hours after midnight.

You can set up auto payments online via the TFL site but they are retarded about it in that they will charge you £10 "admin fee" for doing this. An aind fee that's totally automated. Do machines need a wage now?

Russinating · 28 Aug 2015 at 09:11

Haggisman said:
"If you don't pay by midnight on the charging day after you drove in the zone, you'll get a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)."

Seems pretty clear :/

Whilst that's fine I disagree about the clear bit! It's the first time I've driven in London in about 3 years and didn't realise that. I don't think last time I was there they had the automated thing either (which is pointless for me anyway as I probably won't be back there in a car for another couple of years!).

GUH.

Diddums · 28 Aug 2015 at 09:55

mrk said:
I paid a few hours after midnight almost 2 weeks ago and didn't get a PCN. I am assuming there's a grace period of at least a few hours after midnight.

You can set up auto payments online via the TFL site but they are retarded about it in that they will charge you £10 "admin fee" for doing this. An aind fee that's totally automated. Do machines need a wage now?

Mate don't even get me started on this. Same as banks that charge admin fees for what is essentially a computer shuffling a few numbers around!

That said, I did sign up to the auto CC payment system. It saves £1.50 a day iirc as well as never having to worry about it.

Tell you what though, my Mini is the fastest car in the world at 6:45, guaranteed.

EDIT: Russ, I've dealt with the CC folks before, it ain't pretty. You could give it a shot but as mentioned I suspect the most you could hope for is the fee back, they'll uphold the PCN 'cos rules is rules. Oh and clawing back the fees will be an absolute ballache.

Haggisman · 28 Aug 2015 at 10:14

Russinating said:
Whilst that's fine I disagree about the clear bit! It's the first time I've driven in London in about 3 years and didn't realise that. I don't think last time I was there they had the automated thing either (which is pointless for me anyway as I probably won't be back there in a car for another couple of years!).

GUH.

Sorry, I meant the condition is pretty clear, not that it was obvious - so I highly doubt you'll be able to appeal it, since you have evidently breached the terms.

Not that I agree with it. The fact you've paid before the penalty was generated makes it evident that it was an innocent mistake on your part and that you fully intended to pay, but unfortunately I can't see that being a good enough excuse for "the man".

Just another one of many reasons why I avoid our "glorious" capital like the plague.

snapdragon69 · 28 Aug 2015 at 11:12

I once forgot due to horrendous roadworks on the way back up north.
I sent a blank (no payee) postal order for the charge (not the penalty) back with the PCN as full and final settlement and kept the serial number to check online when it wash cashed. While I did hear back, I just sent a letter back saying they cashed it as full and final settlement and no further claims would be entertained and never heard back again.

I was actually hoping (by leaving it blank) that some worker would pocket it and delete my penalty.

ubersonic · 28 Aug 2015 at 11:37

If you paid before the PCN was issued then it has been incorrectly issued and is invalid, Google will help you with the right words to explain that to them.

traveyb · 28 Aug 2015 at 12:39

I think your up the proverbial creek

Spuddy · 28 Aug 2015 at 12:45

Is the PCN issued by the council?

SlyReaper · 28 Aug 2015 at 13:07

Did you pass any signs or anything that stated the "pay before midnight " requirement? If not, I struggle to see how they can argue you entered into a contract to do so.

Diddums · 28 Aug 2015 at 13:10

Spuddy said:
Is the PCN issued by the council?

No, TFL. Capita handles the fine itself.

v0n · 28 Aug 2015 at 14:50

You must have done something weird as you need to specify precise day when paying for CC. The system wouldn't let you pay on 21st, it only has options to pay for today, yesterday or day ahead. These are the only options through website or phone.