Congestion Charge :(

Shafted_2

Sorry I thought I'd said; when I click quote it (like I just have done) accepts the click and takes me to the editing box. I then type my response and it allows me to wax lyrical. Then when I click submit reply......

edited to add ...

Phew - work around seems to be working.

.. but bank charges are different are they?

pelirocco wrote: »

How can it time you out before its unaware you are trying to post something , just thinks you are idle

Have you NOT ticked the keep me logged in box by any chance?

This is money saving because we all know that if we dont pay the charge we will get hit by more charges , We could save you more money by telling you not to pay your council tax , mortgage , credit cards ect , if you want us to

Shafted_2

So it can't be that clear.

As it happens I couldn't avoid it as my son lives in the area, after I recieved the Charge Notice I still didn't know the area (I thought it must have started near the end of the M1).

Carrying my son's belongings a few hundred yards and up several flights of stairs and avoiding the clampers were at the front of my mind If I'd have know it was due I'd have asked around local shops (we went in enough and didn't see any 'Pay congestion charge here).

kai666 wrote: »

There is a difference between thinking the system is wrong, and working within it, to avoid being hit by any fines or penalties.

In fairness, despite my earlier comments, I live in London and am not completely sure how to go about paying for it. But then again on the few occassions I drive I make damn sure I don't go anywhere near it, or just travel when it is not active

flyingscotno1

Shafted wrote: »

In a similar way the Penalty charge is IMO wrong. In my experience there is a stage missing in the process if they can automatically penalty charge, you they could automatically bill you (maybe even with a small proportionate admin charge). Moving from £8 to £10 to £60 is not proportionate. It is obviously set like that to generate revenue and to 'bully' people into paying.

I heard about this site because of Martin Lewis's stand on Bank Charges which I agree with. This is a very similar issue and I am dismayed how so many seem to be supportive of the way this issue works.

The bank issue is however totally different because Councils etc have legal authority to issue fines as punishment- therefore they can charge that amount quite legally and correctly. Same reason clamping is outlawed in Scotland but Councils and the DVLA still can do it- they have authority.

Whilst I understand your logic- you should get a reminder to pay before being hit with the fine I cannot really understand your dismay with the reaction here. The CC is £8 rising to £10 for later payment and then similar fines as a punshment for not paying to that of overstaying on your pay and display ticket. They probably don't want to issue bills as reminders for say £25 as it adds another level of administration to the loop and then paper chase so it is £10 or bust. Same reason that if you overstay a P+D ticket you still have to pay a fine not just the excess time! After all as others say the congestion charge is not exactly hidden, it is quite well known and a quick check on it would have saved you all this effort and pain, which is maybe why your not getting a huge amount of sympathy.

I think the only way to react is to take it on the chin- lesson learned. You can even get a free tax disc holder through this page https://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/roadusers/congestioncharging/default.aspx as a reminder next time!

kai666

Shafted wrote: »

So it can't be that clear.

I have never actually made an attempt to find out how to pay though. The many signs, road markings etc are enough to help me avoid the relevant roads leading into the C zone

dacouch

As well as the congestion charge and expensive parking London is really really bad for getting tickets for box junction offences, driving in the bus lane, illegal u-turns etc. They have cameras on lots of these and the chances of getting a ticket if you commit an offence are very high.

Parking costs are sky high with virtually no free parking in central areas of London and there are actually more traffic wardens per square km in central London than Police officers so be careful when you park.

People if you drive into London be aware of the congestion charge and do not do any of the above offences are there is a really high chance of you getting a ticket.

kai666

dacouch wrote: »

with virtually no free parking in central areas of London

There is virtually no free parking anywhere in London at peak times. It's all residential parking

Shafted_2

I've already been told it's not a fine, advice which I think is correct.

What offence am I guilty of that someone is punishing me?

Even if I am guilty, how can they fine me before trial?

flyingscotno1 wrote: »

The bank issue is however totally different because Councils etc have legal authority to issue fines as punishment- therefore they can charge that amount quite legally and correctly. Same reason clamping is outlawed in Scotland but Councils and the DVLA still can do it- they have authority.

Whilst I understand your logic- you should get a reminder to pay before being hit with the fine I cannot really understand your dismay with the reaction here. The CC is £8 rising to £10 for later payment and then similar fines as a punshment for not paying to that of overstaying on your pay and display ticket. They probably don't want to issue bills as reminders for say £25 as it adds another level of administration to the loop and then paper chase so it is £10 or bust. Same reason that if you overstay a P+D ticket you still have to pay a fine not just the excess time! After all as others say the congestion charge is not exactly hidden, it is quite well known and a quick check on it would have saved you all this effort and pain, which is maybe why your not getting a huge amount of sympathy.

I think the only way to react is to take it on the chin- lesson learned. You can even get a free tax disc holder through this page https://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/roadusers/congestioncharging/default.aspx as a reminder next time!

Shafted_2

Which is one reason why I normally use public transport in cities (not just London). The other's being concern for the environment, and it's actually usually much more enjoyable.

dacouch wrote: »

As well as the congestion charge and expensive parking London is really really bad for getting tickets for box junction offences, driving in the bus lane, illegal u-turns etc. They have cameras on lots of these and the chances of getting a ticket if you commit an offence are very high.

Parking costs are sky high with virtually no free parking in central areas of London and there are actually more traffic wardens per square km in central London than Police officers so be careful when you park.

People if you drive into London be aware of the congestion charge and do not do any of the above offences are there is a really high chance of you getting a ticket.

dacouch

kai666 wrote: »

There is virtually no free parking anywhere in London at peak times. It's all residential parking

I know of plenty of free parking in London actually not far from central London (Zone 2) and within walking distance of tube stations. It is however very difficult to find unless your local.

honest_guy

Hi please can someone help last yr we was hit with baliffs at the doors saying they wanted £517 fine for a congestion charge not payed the yr before but had only 1 letter and forgot about it so payed it .. now had them here again this morning saying in march we didnt pay a congestion again this time not sure if us but since march we have not recieved 1 letter and they say tough we have to pay and they have clamped our car and say they will take it in 48 hours if we have not payed please what can i do. i honestly recieved no letters im sure they dont send letter out and they should do it recorded