A London motorist has been plunged into a financial nightmare, accumulating a staggering £11,445 in ULEZ fines due to a critical failure in the automated payment system.
The ULEZ Auto Pay System Failure
The situation began in December when the man's auto pay account for his non-compliant van was unexpectedly suspended. Despite believing his journeys were being paid for, he was soon inundated with approximately 200 penalty charge notices (PCNs).
Transport for London (TfL) reinstated the account, but with a crucial error: his surname was spelled differently. This administrative mistake had severe consequences, as it led TfL to reject all his appeals on the grounds that he was considered a “third party” to the account.
Mounting Debt and Personal Toll
The financial impact has been devastating. The driver has already paid the full £11,445 in accumulated fines and still owes an additional £1,400, with a further 70 fines pending. His attempts to manage the debt through an Individual Voluntary Arrangement were refused by TfL.
The case was highlighted in a letter to the Guardian's consumer affairs section, which also revealed the profound effect on the man's wellbeing. He has dyslexia and a serious chronic autoimmune disease that is triggered by stress. The ordeal has pushed his mental health to a critical point, with reports that he has mentioned suicide.
Resolution and Official Warnings
Following intervention, a TfL spokesperson stated: “We will always try and support people who are struggling to pay penalty charges. We have been in contact with him and have agreed to accept the amount he has paid to resolve the matter.”
TfL also issued a warning to all drivers, urging them to avoid unofficial payment websites which may be misleading. The authority emphasised that PCNs should always be paid directly through their secure online system.
For those who believe a PCN has been issued incorrectly, TfL advises challenging it by making a representation. This can be done online, in writing, or in some cases, by phone, where a quick decision may be possible depending on the available evidence.
