Transport for LondonGround three
The Regulations define this ground as:
"That no penalty charge is payable under the charging scheme."
There are a number of circumstances which may or may not be applicable (remember to provide as much supporting evidence as you can) including:
- Exempt vehicles - Exemptions are usually based upon the taxation class of the vehicle recorded by the DVLA. If you believe your vehicle is tax exempt then you must enclose proof of the exemption by providing your V5C showing the taxation class
- 100% discount - There are various 100% discounts available for certain vehicles provided they are first registered with TfL. This includes those for 9+ seater vehicles, recovery vehicles and alternative fuel vehicles. Until a vehicle is successfully registered you are required to pay the full daily charge. If you believe that your vehicle is registered, then please provide proof of the registration including the letter confirming the acceptance of your discount. Remember to check that the vehicle registration mark has been recorded correctly
- Blue Badge Holders - To receive the Blue Badge discount you must first be registered with TfL and have nominated the exact vehicle registration mark used on the date of the contravention on the Blue Badge account. To make a Representation please provide evidence of the confirmation that the Blue Badge Holder has registered with Congestion Charging and that the vehicle was nominated on the account. If you add the vehicle to an account via the call centre please provide details of when and who you spoke to. If you have not renewed your application you may still be liable for the PCN
- Residents - Residents must first be registered with TfL to receive a 90% discount of the charge. If you are a resident and believe you are registered please provide proof of your registration. You will also need to have paid the charge at the discounted rate. Remember to provide as much information as possible to support your Representation, such as copies of your confirmation letter and proof that the charge was paid for the correct vehicle and date of travel
- London Licensed Taxis, Mini Cabs and Hackney Carriages registered with the Public Carriage Office - If you believe your vehicle is correctly registered with the Public Carriage Office then please provide all the appropriate confirmation letters with your Representation
- Diverted into the Congestion Charging Zone - If you are diverted into the Congestion Charging Zone due to an incident, accident or road works, you should either follow the diversion route or leave as soon as possible. When making a Representation please give as many details as possible including the location and time of the diversion and if you spoke with a police officer. We will check our records to confirm if there was a diversion. If, however, you enter the Congestion Charging Zone just to avoid traffic or got lost or swerved, then these are not valid grounds for Representation
- Signs & Boundary - The boundary to the Congestion Charging Zone is clearly marked with the following Department for Transport approved road traffic sign and if you pass this road traffic sign during charging hours you must pay the charge. You should note that at certain boundary points, but not all, there is also a red C painted on the road itself. However, you do not have to have crossed a red C to have entered the Congestion Charging Zone and these symbols are there for information purposes only. Reasons such as you not seeing the signs or there not being enough signs will not be accepted by TfL. However, if you believe that your vehicle did not enter the Congestion Charging Zone or the signs are incorrect please provide full details with your Representation including the exact location and route you took
- Leaving the Congestion Charging Zone - This will not be accepted by TfL as a valid reason for non payment of the charge as the Congestion Charge is payable if a vehicle travels within the Congestion Charging Zone during charging hours whether entering, exiting or just moving within the zone
Please note
Transport for London will always consider the use of our discretion if you supply details and evidence of any mitigating circumstances.
