Jacob’s and Birmingham city council CAZ

[Bluedave77]

Hi everyone I hope you are okay I want to ask advice regarding a situation I am in in

Long story short

I work in Birmingham city Centre and use the Clean air zone

Last year I was required to care for my Sister who lives in Manchester due to a serious urgent medical issue meaning I missed paying for 8-10 days.
I appealed 1 which Birmingham city council removed due to a time period of being away from home caring for my sister I missed letters regarding the other dates missing the deadline to appeal to Birmingham council.

I appealed to TEC Traffic Enforcement centre who have declined all the appeals stating that the vehicle is registered at my address and all documentation was sent there.

I’m now in £3500 of debt and Jacob’s refusing to communicate with me about any payment plan stating it’s too late it’s at enforcement stage meaning removal of goods or full payment.
Something I’m unable to pay in full.

Im now off work ill due to the situation and it’s causing a massive strain on my home life.

Any help/advice would be massively appreciated

[echat11]

Hi BLUEDAVE

Welcome to LB

Firstly try not to worry, concentrate on yourself and sister.

Question: Did you send evidence of your sister's illness with the Appeal?

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/de...re-vulnerable/

Email the following letter to the Council and Jacobs - (Hopefully, Jacobs will return the debt to the Council)

https://www.nationaldebtline.org/sam...vulnerable-ew/

Also print one out, put it in an envelope, if Jacobs do call, even though you have emailed the letter to them, hand them the letter through the letter box (a strange sight, but makes sense).

Update the thread.

[Bluedave77]

Hi

I did with the first one but was then wrongly advised by council staff that the traffic enforcement centre would contact them and they’d provide the evidence.
I’ve advised them of my situation and that of my disabled daughter who also lives at my address. The reply I got was it makes no difference we will still be attending for payment.

I’ve had 3 visits one where they spoke to my neighbour and gave him all the information regarding my situation.
My daughter is afraid to be in the address now due to the letters and visits we’ve had.

Thank you so much for your reply

Dave

[echat11]

Hi

I did with the first one but was then wrongly advised by council staff that the traffic enforcement centre would contact them and they’d provide the evidence.
I’ve advised them of my situation and that of my disabled daughter who also lives at my address. The reply I got was it makes no difference we will still be attending for payment.

I’ve had 3 visits one where they spoke to my neighbour and gave him all the information regarding my situation.
My daughter is afraid to be in the address now due to the letters and visits we’ve had.

Thank you so much for your reply

Dave

a) I did with the first one but was then wrongly advised by council staff that the traffic enforcement centre would contact them and they’d provide the evidence.

If that is the case, then lodge a complaint with the Council, i.e. you were given the wrong information, the complaint can be made online.

b) I’ve advised them of my situation and that of my disabled daughter who also lives at my address. The reply I got was it makes no difference we will still be attending for payment.

Have you advised them in writing? If you have, contact your MP.

c) I’ve had 3 visits one where they spoke to my neighbour and gave him all the information regarding my situation.
My daughter is afraid to be in the address now due to the letters and visits we’ve had.

If they've spoken to your neighbour then they have broken the Data Protection Act and you should lodge a complaint Jacobs through their website.

[Bluedave77]

If that is the case, then lodge a complaint with the Council, i.e. you were given the wrong information, the complaint can be made online

4 complaints made 1st one the council complaints dept said they couldn’t access the fines system and that the council was basically acting legally.
Last 3 have been ignored.

Have you advised them in writing? If you have, contact your MP

Yes emailed all details to Jacob’s. Contacted my Mp last week who stated they’d try but last 3 cases have had no luck in moving from original decision.

If they've spoken to your neighbour then they have broken the Data Protection Act and you should lodge a complaint Jacobs through their website

Complained to Jacob’s they basically said it didn’t happen the enforcement agent is a long standing employee who’s had no complaints.

[echat11]

a) 4 complaints made 1st one the council complaints dept said they couldn’t access the fines system and that the council was basically acting legally.
Last 3 have been ignored.

O.K. so you weren't getting anywhere with the Council, you have other avenues of Complaint, lodge a complaint with the LGO.
Explain to them that, you lodged complaints and they were ignored. I've found them really helpful in the past. You can lodge complaints online. https://www.lgo.org.uk/

b) Yes emailed all details to Jacob’s. Contacted my Mp last week who stated they’d try but last 3 cases have had no luck in moving from original decision.

You only need to be concerned about your case. You have 'exceptional circumstances', chase the MP.

c) Complained to Jacob’s they basically said it didn’t happen the enforcement agent is a long standing employee who’s had no complaints.

Ask your neighbour if they are willing to write a Witness Statement, it's your neighbour they spoke too.