Marston against my bicycle

[n3k0rA]

Hi,

My problem is very similar to those I have been reading in this website. However my office was to miss a red traffic light while riding my BICYCLE up the hill.

This happened the 6th of February. I was pulled over by a police car that issued me a fine. When I asked him what would happen if I refuse to pay that amount (£30), he said that it could be doubled up and eventually also pay court fees.

After some research on the internet I decided to do what some had done before, send the fine without the money to the court.

I have been most of the summer away and for my surprise I have found at home few letter from Marston, saying that they are 'working for the HM Courts & Tribunal Services' and I have got an 'outstanding balance of £320'. Therefore they 'can make use of locksmiths to gain entry and remove goods'.

Now I realised my mistake of not doing anything when I was on time. However I couldn't imagine that £30 fine could be transformed into £320.

I guess it is pointless to try to make them understand that fine a cyclist on a 70s bike is a bit o a joke, isn't it?

Do I have any chance to reduce those £320?

How long will take for these guys to come around?


Any help…. more than welcome. Thanks a lot!

[ncf355]

Re: Marston against my bicycle

Hi,

My problem is very similar to those I have been reading in this website. However my office was to miss a red traffic light while riding my BICYCLE up the hill.

This happened the 6th of February. I was pulled over by a police car that issued me a fine. When I asked him what would happen if I refuse to pay that amount (£30), he said that it could be doubled up and eventually also pay court fees.

After some research on the internet I decided to do what some had done before, send the fine without the money to the court.

I have been most of the summer away and for my surprise I have found at home few letter from Marston, saying that they are 'working for the HM Courts & Tribunal Services' and I have got an 'outstanding balance of £320'. Therefore they 'can make use of locksmiths to gain entry and remove goods'.

Now I realised my mistake of not doing anything when I was on time. However I couldn't imagine that £30 fine could be transformed into £320.

I guess it is pointless to try to make them understand that fine a cyclist on a 70s bike is a bit o a joke, isn't it?

Do I have any chance to reduce those £320?

How long will take for these guys to come around?


Any help…. more than welcome. Thanks a lot!

I'm sure someone will be along that can help re whether the fees are lawful, but Cyclists that dont pay attention to red lights really hack me off - why do you feel that you arent required to heed the lights the same as any other road user? - it's not a joke, the red light is ther for a reason!

Personally, had it been me, I wouldve paid the £30 fine with gritted teeth and got on with it (scratch that - I wouldnt have commited the offence) - this is not like a questionable private parking penalty - you broke the law, straight and simple

I do however temper this with £320 from a £30 fine and talk of entering your property is ridiculous

[shell]

Re: Marston against my bicycle

It's about time the police started fining cyclists that go through red traffic lights. They are a menace. Why is it that cyclists think they are above the law?

[Caspar]

Re: Marston against my bicycle

I am glad you are here to post thihs question, as a car could easily have come through the lights that were green and killed you, for which he would hae been done for dangerous driving and had to live with killing someone for the rest of his life.

However, in terms of the bailiffs' fees you need to send a SAR to the bailiffs to see how the fees are made up. Have a read of the bailiffs guide and probably the bit about parking fines will be helpful too.

[ncf355]

Re: Marston against my bicycle

Phew,

glad to see the more level headed types agree with my points

[The Debt Star]

Re: Marston against my bicycle

Having to walk from the tube station to the office I have to totally agree with you ncf. The number of cyclists that narrowly miss pedestrians on zebra crossings or who ignore red lights is frightening. They just pass straight across them without any care or consideration. Its a miracle there aren't any deaths or serious injuries caused by it.

[Bill-K]

Re: Marston against my bicycle

LOL - it sure looks like you got your knuckles rapped for riding through a red light - by the Police AND by us !!!

But, sure, that's not the primary point here, and whatever our opinion might be of your actions, we are here to give impartial advice. It certainly seems to me that Marstons are doing what they seem to be so good at - bullying people. It does concern me somewhat that HMCS should employ a firm such as this, and it would be a nice little irony to see Marstons having to defend their actions in the very same court which has employed them.

[WendyB]

Re: Marston against my bicycle

End of the day, you rode a red light and therefore the fine should stand, if you had been driving a 1970's car it would stand, so why not a 1970's bike? Red lights are there for a reason.

Anyway, notwithstanding that, Marstons are no doubt trying it on with their fees, they can only charge certain prescribed fees. Have a read of this Bailiff Guide - Legal Beagles Consumer Forum whih shou;ld make things clearer. You can also send a SAR to Marstons asking them for a breakdown of exactly which fees thy have charged, then you can ascertain whether the fees are legitimate or not.

[Bill-K]

Re: Marston against my bicycle

You got some criticism, and you got some impartial advice. As a fellow road-user, I guess you have learned to take the rough with the smooth. As a fellow forum-user, the same $h1t applies. There are pot-holes everywhere.

You still truckin,' dude ? Or iz you deid in a pot-hole ?

[n3k0rA]

Re: Marston against my bicycle

hiya. thanks for the words and the humour.
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hello. thanks for info and the finger waggling.