London Congestion Charge paid in advance but not used

Bella33

Hoping someone may have some knowledge on this as I have searched all over google and can’t find anything useful.

I paid to enter the London congestion charge zone at the weekend before I set off on my journey, but didn’t set up an account, unfortunately, the clutch went on my car about 10 minutes into driving (outside of M25) and I had to call breakdown out. Obviously couldn’t be fixed and I couldn’t drive into London so essentially didn’t use my entry pass (but not out of choice).

As it was the weekend the TfL offices were closed so couldn’t contact them and the website is completely useless in giving advice. Emailed them for advice and a refund, they sent back a generic response within a pdf letter which included their no refund policy, however I can apply via the online form if I don’t have an account set up. 

Tried the online form but the dates I paid for were in the past and couldn’t select them on the form. Emailed them back for advice but I haven’t heard anything yet.

Has anyone else had a similar issue where they paid for the charge but didn’t enter the zone due to an unforeseen circumstance, essentially not using your entry pass? Were you able to get a refund?
Thanks in advance!

Le_Kirk

This forum tends to major on parking issues.  Maybe you will have some luck if you post on a site called Pepipoo and join their fightback forums.  Do not sign up using a Hotmail address.

Scrapit

Bella33 said:

Hoping someone may have some knowledge on this as I have searched all over google and can’t find anything useful.

I paid to enter the London congestion charge zone at the weekend before I set off on my journey, but didn’t set up an account, unfortunately, the clutch went on my car about 10 minutes into driving (outside of M25) and I had to call breakdown out. Obviously couldn’t be fixed and I couldn’t drive into London so essentially didn’t use my entry pass (but not out of choice).

As it was the weekend the TfL offices were closed so couldn’t contact them and the website is completely useless in giving advice. Emailed them for advice and a refund, they sent back a generic response within a pdf letter which included their no refund policy, however I can apply via the online form if I don’t have an account set up. 

Tried the online form but the dates I paid for were in the past and couldn’t select them on the form. Emailed them back for advice but I haven’t heard anything yet.

Has anyone else had a similar issue where they paid for the charge but didn’t enter the zone due to an unforeseen circumstance, essentially not using your entry pass? Were you able to get a refund?
Thanks in advance!

Thats your answer, no refund.

KeithP

Scrapit said:

Thats your answer, no refund.

Can you please tell us how you arrived at your decision?

nosferatu1001

KeithP said:

Scrapit said:

Thats your answer, no refund.

Can you please tell us how you arrived at your decision?

Probably from the TFL website stating so
https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/congestion-charge/paying-the-congestion-charge/refunds-and-reimbursements
"We don't refund daily charges or charges for dates in the past."
So two issues - it was a daily charge and it was in the past. 2 reasons they wont get a refund. 

Umkomaas

How much are we talking about here?

Bella33

Thanks all for looking at this. Yes was daily charge for congestion and ULEZ payments for Saturday and Sunday. £55 in total, and if they do grant a refund they take a £10 admin fee (not sure if that is per day). Wouldn’t mind if I had just changed my mind and decided not to go, as the no refund is clearly stated in the T&Cs but my car broke down with no roadside fix so I couldn’t get there to use the zone payment. The car is still in the garage now.

Ultimately I know I’m just going to have to swallow it, however, I think it’s an unfair charge if you have paid in advance and an unforeseen circumstance with your car happens - granted it could open the flood gates. Next time I just won’t pay in advance, I’ll go in the zone and pay the charge before midnight that day to avoid a fine. Maybe a lesson for anyone else looking to use the zone too! 

Scrapit

KeithP said:

Scrapit said:

Thats your answer, no refund.

Can you please tell us how you arrived at your decision?

No decision, just reading of the OP.

Scrapit

Bella33 said:

Thanks all for looking at this. Yes was daily charge for congestion and ULEZ payments for Saturday and Sunday. £55 in total, and if they do grant a refund they take a £10 admin fee (not sure if that is per day). Wouldn’t mind if I had just changed my mind and decided not to go, as the no refund is clearly stated in the T&Cs but my car broke down with no roadside fix so I couldn’t get there to use the zone payment. The car is still in the garage now.

Ultimately I know I’m just going to have to swallow it, however, I think it’s an unfair charge if you have paid in advance and an unforeseen circumstance with your car happens - granted it could open the flood gates. Next time I just won’t pay in advance, I’ll go in the zone and pay the charge before midnight that day to avoid a fine. Maybe a lesson for anyone else looking to use the zone too! 

Pay after the event to guarantee use but don't forget. The fines are a lot dearer.