I've received a fine 2 months after traveling to England for a congestion charge in London. I thought I had paid for both days I was driving in London but apparently since there was a day in between I was given the wrong information and only paid for one. The rental car company is fining me for over $400 US now which I think is ridiculous for one day of driving (normally $16) that I thought I had already paid for in the first place. The letter I received was not certified or anything and I don't plan on going back to England ever but do plan to travel in other parts of Europe sometime in the future. Any advice on what to do?
Posted by
Nottingham, UK
658 posts
In days of old Highway Robbery was conducted by a gentleman on a black horse with two flintlock pistols and a mask over his face. He always had the good manners to shout 'Stand and Deliver!'
These days it's not as civilised. I got fined one hundred and sixty of your USD for parking for three minutes ( no exageration ) without paying in Bloomsbury ( I parked at 13:27 on a Saturday and it was free parking from 13:30 onwards on Saturdays ).
My advice is that if you want to rent from that rental company again you are going to have to pay them the $400.00 and they will pass it on to the fat, bloated, theiving, rat-bags in London's County Hall ( a place where the champagne flows like water and the caviar is served every hour, on the hour ).
The mistake you made was an easy one to make and some ( myself included ) would say that the congestion charge terms and conditions are structured to catch unsuspecting tourists off guard and rob them blind !
Posted by
Boscombe, Dorset, UK
964 posts
Hi Val, That was a tough break- and I don't think I would pay them without a struggle.
From what you say, it's the rental car company who are fining you; well, if there was a charge for an unpaid congestion charge, I doubt it would be as much as $400 (but remember, I'm no expert). I would find out how much they have been charged by the authorities and tell them you'll pay that much and no more. I would also want written proof that there actually is anything to pay, especially if you think you paid it already. For all you know, they may have made a mistake and it's someone else using the same car at another time.
Good luck!
Posted by
OP
Denver
2 posts
I've been trying to contact them and asking for proof and telling them that I want to get this settled but they won't reply. The only thing I'm getting is bulk mail type letters with the fines going higher and higher and threatening court costs. Each time I get one it goes up about $60-80 US. I'm trying to settle this, but really, how much effort does it take?