Hello everyone

[sarahguklondon]

Hello everyone. Hope you are all well.
I need some advice regarding the congestion charge. Ok so Im a new driver only been on the road 3 mths now. On the 5th of August I thought that I had gone through the so called congestion charge area. I paid it the next day only later I realised that I had not entered it at all but I never attempted to get a refund I just left it. However On the 10th of August My stupid sat nav took me through it but I didn't realise being a new driver.
Ok so I get a notice to pay £185. I never received any other correspondence from them as I've not been staying at my usual address. Anyway I call them and explain in a new driver, unfamiliar with the congestion charge area. I explain I paid a few days before even though I didn't need to. I was told that the monies I paid is not considered and is non refundable. I could not believe what I was hearing.
I have written I letter to them explaining everything again and I am waiting a reply.
Please can someone help me overstand how they can get anyway with keeping my money and demand more from me...
I would really appreciate help with this matter. Also I would like to come at it from a Freemans point of view. Thank you in advance.

[Amethyst]

Re: Hello everyone

I don't think you will get much help with a 'freeman's' point of view on here - you'd be better off searching for a FMOTL website. Pretty sure freeman don't think they need driving licences either. You complied with the congestion charge rules on the first occassion ( even though you got something wrong ) and you tried to comply on this occassion by calling them and explaining about the previous payment and wanting to use it against this payment - so I think you have already accepted authority there.

Have you followed the right process for challenging a penalty ? https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/con...nt?intcmp=2067