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Marathon/Dart Fine

Hi, today I received 2 notices of enforcement from Marstons relating to Dartford crossing fines I have received without my knowledge.
We moved last year and the fines relate to crossings made shortly after by my Wife who forgot to pay and I had no idea were outstanding.

I called Marstons and was told I owed £381 for the missed payments (£5) and when I explained this was the first I knew of it the man said that because my log book was still registered at previous address, all correspondence had been sent there, including summons to Northampton county court which again, I knew nothing about.
Had I known them of course I would have paid, as can be proved by the 2 times I have actually used this crossing, but the man said they were not interested as it was my responsibility to inform DVLA of any move (which I know of course)

I asked for any means of appeal or anyone I could speak with to explain the circumstances but this fell on deaf ears, I fear I know the answer, but do I have a leg to stand on?
He said they would be sending bailiffs round soon to remove items and auction off to pay debt, this is incredibally stressful and couldn't have come at a worse time, I do not avoid paying for things but now face an extortionate payment when I had no idea it was owed!!
Yes, in moving we forgot to update DVLA and the car has since been traded in, but Marstons seem to have located me easily enough, how can I not get an opportunity to pay the initial debt?( my name is now tarnished and I wasn't even in the car)

Any advice?

Comments

  • Header should sat Marstons.... spell check grrrr
  • No advice - but can sympathise with you. My family has been caughtt out by Dart Charges in the past.

    I very much doubt the courts will not accept a defence of your wife forgot or that in moving you forgot to transfer the details of your vehicle. Dart and courts have communicated with the correct address registered for the vehicle. I think it is likely you will have to pay up.

    My only advice - if you have any possibility of using the crossing in the future at any time - is to set up an online payment account which tops up when the balance falls below £10. We don't live near the crossing and rarely use it, but setting this up has been a life saver for a forgetful son who visits friends now and then. No more fines.
    DFW Nerd No. 1484 LBM 07/01/15 Debt was £95k :eek: Now debt free and happy :j
  • Thank you!

    Very frustrating as they claim to have sent all the warnings etc. to a previous address, yet found me quickly enough once maximum fines had been issued.
    I know it was an error to not inform DVLA immediately and I feel foolish, but had this been most other companies they would at least have allowed discussion or an appeal.

    It seems I have no choice but thanks for replying anyway!
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