Another forecourt eye post

gavino76

Ok with this one, I did take the fuel. I realised 2 days later I'd driven off without paying, and returned to make payment. The manager refused and said he has just reported it, so they can't accept payment.

Had a few letters, this being the latest:

(Image removed by Forum Team)

Mitigation of loss:

I returned of my own accord to pay for the fuel. This demonstrates clear good‑faith intent and materially reduces any alleged loss. By refusing payment, the forecourt prevented the loss from being mitigated.Unreasonable and disproportionate fee

A £35 administration fee is not a genuine pre‑estimate of loss under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. No additional costs were incurred because I attempted to pay before any DVLA request was made.

Incorrect process
Your staff’s refusal to accept payment contradicts the stated purpose of the unpaid fuel procedure. If a customer returns promptly to pay, the matter should be resolved at the forecourt without escalation.Request for evidence
Please confirm whether CCTV or internal logs show my return visit. I am happy to provide the approximate time and description of the staff member I spoke to.

Any thoughts on this possible dispute email please?

Coupon-mad

Search the forum for a post I made last month in a different petrol station thread (not Forecourt Eye) where a complaint was suggested citing:

A Retailer v Ms B and Ms K

Emmia

I don't understand how you can drive off, "forgetting to pay" having just filled up your car.

What you did is theft.

.

Coupon-mad

Nobody is disagreeing that it was inadvertent theft but it was an oversight and they returned to pay.

These issues happen. Have you never got home and realised a cashier didn't scan one of your items? Did you go back?

And retailers can't add an admin fee.

QrizB

What you did is theft.

Please don't spread falsehoods.

As discussed in previous threads on this, theft requires mens rea ( criminal mind). OP has no intention to deprive the fuel station of the fuel, hence it's not theft.

it was inadvertent theft

No such thing in English criminal law, AIUI.

James_Poisson

I think adding a predetermined admin fee for just sending a letter when the OP offered to pay before they do anything is more like theft!

Forecourt Eye just like parking companies will be hoping these instances happen to fill their coffers!

I once walked out of a pub near where I lived and forgot to pay for the meal and drinks, it was just one of those things it wasn't intentional, we weren't known to them, though we had been in a number of times, you ordered at the bar and paid at the end before you leave.

I was mortified I went back the next day and made my apologies, the landlord was a lovely chap and we became good friends he used to embarrass us after that as when he got a new dish or recipe he was trying he refused to charge us for it.

gavino76

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82088907#Comment_82088907

I've actually done that too! I was with my gf and 2 kids, we had a meal. And dessert. And literally just walked out. We realised when we got around the corner and returned to pay straight away - no one working there had even realised!!

Honestly, I come here for straight talking and advice, not to get into social media type arguments with people who nothing better to do??

Thanks coupon mad (again) for your direct no nonsense help and advice.

Coupon-mad

Please show front & back of the Forecourt Eye letter. The signage is appalling so please also go get evidence of that.

gavino76

I couldn't find the post you mentioned?

Also, I posted the original letter. I hadn't redacted properly so forum team have removed it or some of it.

I have other follow on letters.

Here's one:

gavino76

Here's the back

gavino76

There's since been a final notice then a final reminder.

A number of emails have been sent disputing the admin charges as I returned voluntarily.

And offer to pay original fuel charge.