Transport for LondonGround two
The Regulations define the ground as:
"That the charge payable for the use or keeping of the vehicle on a road on the occasion in question was paid at the time and manner required by the charging scheme."
This means that the Congestion Charge must be paid for the actual vehicle that is used in the Congestion Charging Zone and for the actual date. You must ensure that the vehicle registration mark that has been paid for matches that of the vehicle used.
If making a Representation on this ground then you need to prove that you have paid the charge for the correct vehicle registration number and correct date (the contravention date).
- The easiest way to do this is to provide your receipt showing all the details (when purchasing the charge we always offer a receipt)
- Check the vehicle registration mark matches that shown on the PCN
- Check that the date of travel matches that shown on the PCN
- If either of these details do not match then this is why you have received the PCN
- If you notice such a mistake then you can still make a Representation but it may only be accepted at our discretion
- If you have made a mistake when purchasing the charge please try not to make the same mistake again
- If you do not have your receipt then you could demonstrate that you have paid if you have used a credit or debit card. Provide a copy of your credit/debit card statement, date of payment and the credit/debit card number and we will try to trace your payment
- If you have neither of these, then you may still make a Representation but it will be very hard for you to prove that the PCN was issued incorrectly; we will of course check all our records thoroughly
Most people believe that they have paid the charge but there are a number of common errors which include:
- Paying for the incorrect vehicle registration mark. As you may have discovered you need to pay the charge for the vehicle registration mark that is held by the DVLA and shown on your vehicle
- The number 0 (zero) is often confused with the alpha character O (Oscar) and the number 1 (one) is often confused with the alpha character I (Indigo)
- Characters are often transposed such as switching the first three letters with the last three e.g. actual number plate is ABC123 but the paid for number plate is 123ABC
- Paying for the wrong date. Always double check the date you want to pay for especially if you are paying in advance
- If paying via the Internet, make sure you enter the details correctly and double check the details. People have been known to enter their car make into the data fields
- If paying via the call centre use the phonetic alphabet (i.e. A=Alpha, B=Bravo, C=Charlie...). Make sure the staff member uses the phonetic alphabet, get them to check the make and model of the vehicle, the date of travel and request a receipt. Make sure you make a note of the receipt number in case the receipt should get mislaid
- If paying in a shop (at an epay machine), you should write down your registration number and relevant date(s) of travel, upon getting your receipt and before leaving the shop double check it for accuracy. If you have made a mistake and it is within thirty minutes of completing the transaction then you can get the charge details changed if they are incorrect
- If paying via mobile phone text messaging, make sure you sent the text and make sure the details sent were correct. Please do not assume any messages we send back are your receipt. Please read and respond to any message we send back if appropriate. If a valid confirmation receipt message has not been received then payment of the charge cannot be guaranteed
- Only pay a discounted charge if you are registered as a resident
If you have made an error then we may use our discretion but this is not guaranteed and please do not repeat the error in the future.
Remember: You need to provide proof that the charge was paid.
Please note
Transport for London will always consider the use of our discretion if you supply details and evidence of any mitigating circumstances.
