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The colossal charge David Clark received was for contravening London\u2019s Low Emission Zone (LEZ) during one day when driving into Croydon, south of the capital, in April last year.<\/p>\n
Fortunately, after support from Crusader, the dire fate he feared for his livelihood has now been averted and the penalty notice cancelled in a goodwill gesture by Transport for London (TfL) which runs the scheme.<\/p>\n
Of course David is massively relieved with this outcome and has never disputed it was his mistake entering the zone without paying.<\/p>\n
However questions remain over the process he experienced which he found most unfair.<\/p>\n
READ MORE: <\/strong> Elderly driver fears they will \u2018be a prisoner\u2019 under \u2018ridiculous\u2019 ULEZ scheme<\/strong><\/p>\n At the time the owner of a Ford van, he lives in France but often works in England where he still has family.<\/p>\n The first he realised about his error was more than eight months later in January this year when he got the bombshell demand from EPCplc, TfL\u2019s collection partner.<\/p>\n \u201cThere was no photo evidence, why it took so long or a detailed breakdown of charges as to how they reached that sum. Had I known earlier, I would have settled immediately, but those delays gave me no chance and yet I was the one expected to pay,\u201d reasoned David.<\/p>\n Just as worrying were the pan-European communications themselves \u2013 letters variously had French and Swedish stamps and ordered him to pay the charge in euros (3,658) into a German bank.<\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n \u201cIt seemed so haphazard it made me think at first it was a scam, there seemed to be so many countries involved. I was very wary when I got in touch,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n After that he followed EPC\u2019s orders, sending an email but was told he still had to foot the full bill. \u201cBy then I had sold the van for scrap but complied when they asked me to send a copy of the log book. Now I\u2019ve got a final rejection and am desperate. My business could go under if I have to pay all this,\u201d he told Crusader.<\/p>\n A closer look at one demand reveals in very small print that David had been sent a notice in early November, so still months after the contravention.<\/p>\n Other sparse details indicate the amount was made up of a fine plus a hefty late payment charge.<\/p>\n Following our appeal to TfL it commented: \u201cWe have reviewed [the] case and used our discretion to cancel all fines.\u201d<\/p>\n EPCplc has been contacted for comment.<\/p>\n [David\u2019s name has been changed]<\/p>\n With the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) also now in force around London, knowing the rules for compliance is a must.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/17\/590x\/secondary\/4942317.jpg?r=1693826692718\")
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Starmer in trouble as own party members don’t have faith following ULEZ war[POLITICS] <\/strong>
London mayor hits back to defend hated ULEZ expansion after massive backlash[POLITICS] <\/strong>
Croydon ULEZ vandals saw and pull down entire lamp post to knock out cameras[UK] <\/strong><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/17\/590x\/secondary\/4942312.jpg?r=1693826692765\")
<\/p>\nDon\u2019t get caught out: crucial rules for non-UK drivers<\/h2>\n