Hello,
We were driving our British registered car in Italy c3 years ago, while living temporarily in Austria. Approximately one year later we got a speeding fine and paid it.
Recently after all this time we received a further speeding ticket by post, we responded to the authorities and sent evidence of having paid it. However, it transpires that the more recent ticket was a separate fine which had been sent to our UK address, where the car was registered to.
While we were away we were having our post redirected by the post office. It transpires that the first ticket had been redirected but the second one was returned to the Italian police advising that delivery was refused (the post office hadn’t attempted deliver) rather than redirect it. We were therefore unaware of the fine itself.
The amount of the fine was c€45 but with penalties and charges now amounts to over €150. We advised the collection agency, that it had now been passed to for follow up, the circumstances that transpired. We advised that as we HAD NOT RECEiVED the fine we shouldn’t be held responsible for the excess fees.... In British law they would have to prove that we had received the fine , which of course we hadn’t.
We offered to pay the fine itself without the fees but they have refused to accept that.
Anyone know where we stand on this, especially now that Brexit has happened? We would still be happy to pay the fine itself, which might be advisable? ...without the fees.