I was given a Penalty Charge via post for stopping in a box junction by Barnet Council back in May 2017. I had moved house but had not informed the DVLA (my bad, I thought if I changed my Driving Licence it would cover the DVLA - don't make my mistake!).
They sent the charge to my old address. A second charge letter was sent and the person who bought my house kindly gave me the letter in July 2017. I immediately informed Barnet Council of my new address (and DVLA), asked to appeal (it actually wasn't my fault) and then when they wouldn't accept my appeal I paid the £195. Outrageous amount anyway. I received an automated receipt from Barnet Council. All done I thought.
Yesterday I received a letter from Marston Enforcement Officers saying I owed £203 plus 'compliance stage fee of £75, a total of £278 to Barnet Council. When I phoned yesterday the delightful and charming woman (!) told me that because the 'amount was different to what they had on their system' ie £8 difference, I was liable to pay the full amount. On her advice I sent the receipt and the email I sent to Barnet Council informing them of my new address. She told me that Enforcement Officers only make one address check and that they had sent 'several letters and visited my old property.' They hadn't, they had sent one letter according to the new tenant back in November, three months ago.
What do I do now? The Marston contact said she would forward my 'evidence' to Barnet Council but I don't believe her. I don't know who to contact at Barnet Council - it seems once it goes to an Enforcement Agency they wash their hands of it. It can't be right to ask me to pay twice can it? I have until March 4th and if I don't they will send the baliffs. This is terrifying me.
Please help. Apologies for length.
They sent the charge to my old address. A second charge letter was sent and the person who bought my house kindly gave me the letter in July 2017. I immediately informed Barnet Council of my new address (and DVLA), asked to appeal (it actually wasn't my fault) and then when they wouldn't accept my appeal I paid the £195. Outrageous amount anyway. I received an automated receipt from Barnet Council. All done I thought.
Yesterday I received a letter from Marston Enforcement Officers saying I owed £203 plus 'compliance stage fee of £75, a total of £278 to Barnet Council. When I phoned yesterday the delightful and charming woman (!) told me that because the 'amount was different to what they had on their system' ie £8 difference, I was liable to pay the full amount. On her advice I sent the receipt and the email I sent to Barnet Council informing them of my new address. She told me that Enforcement Officers only make one address check and that they had sent 'several letters and visited my old property.' They hadn't, they had sent one letter according to the new tenant back in November, three months ago.
What do I do now? The Marston contact said she would forward my 'evidence' to Barnet Council but I don't believe her. I don't know who to contact at Barnet Council - it seems once it goes to an Enforcement Agency they wash their hands of it. It can't be right to ask me to pay twice can it? I have until March 4th and if I don't they will send the baliffs. This is terrifying me.
Please help. Apologies for length.
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