£195 fine with Ealing Council
Discussion
I got a £195 fine for being in a bus lane (that was accidental) 6 months ago. I don't want to contest it but I don't understand why it's so much as their site says it's £65 if paid within 14 days, then £130.
It looks like I never got the original letter giving me a chance to pay that amount (which I would have done), nor £130 for that matter.
I have written to them 4 times without answer and left 3 messages for call backs within 3 days which they ignored (they can't comply with their own SLAs).
It is IMPOSSIBLE to speak to anyone. The switchboard is manned by a computer says no type who has zero interest.
Do they set the amount of the fine ? How come a council is allowed to do stuff like this without any due process ?
If anyone could recommend a course of action, I would appreciate it.
It looks like I never got the original letter giving me a chance to pay that amount (which I would have done), nor £130 for that matter.
I have written to them 4 times without answer and left 3 messages for call backs within 3 days which they ignored (they can't comply with their own SLAs).
It is IMPOSSIBLE to speak to anyone. The switchboard is manned by a computer says no type who has zero interest.
Do they set the amount of the fine ? How come a council is allowed to do stuff like this without any due process ?
If anyone could recommend a course of action, I would appreciate it.
Thank you Steve - sadly I never got the £65 offer (which I would have taken immediately), which is my main issue.
Communication is literally impossible as they have not replied to 4 emails / 3 messages.
Is it even legal for such ill-equipped organisation to be allowed to play at law enforcement ?
I will admit I come from a different country where it's the Police and the courts who do that and have to give a chance to appeal or at least a chance to communicate.
I live in rural Sussex so visiting in person is not cost effective either, and besides, I avoid London at all costs.
Communication is literally impossible as they have not replied to 4 emails / 3 messages.
Is it even legal for such ill-equipped organisation to be allowed to play at law enforcement ?
I will admit I come from a different country where it's the Police and the courts who do that and have to give a chance to appeal or at least a chance to communicate.
I live in rural Sussex so visiting in person is not cost effective either, and besides, I avoid London at all costs.
Cheers TMM. Sadly they are refusing any direct contact. Their complaint procedure is very opaque. I was expecting my experience to be similar to the one you had with Bath, ie civilised.
Is there an authority to report them to and who can step in ? Surely their incompetence and inability to allow basic judiciary due process needs to be reviewed.
Is there an authority to report them to and who can step in ? Surely their incompetence and inability to allow basic judiciary due process needs to be reviewed.
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