We went to the UK this past summer, and went from the south to a small village in the Ipswich area to visit my wife's 94 year old grandmother.

Along the way, we crossed over the Dartford crossing. Expecting the toll, we had the GBP 2.50 in our hands. We hit the customary traffic, and then saw the toll was no longer collected by hand- it was collected on their website. They give you until midnight the next day to pay it.

I paid it on the 3rd day, as I had no internet until then- it was the first thing we did when we checked into the hotel. I have the receipt for it.

Because it was late, the toll ran my plates with the rental agency, and they charged me GBP 40 for that privilege.

I have documented everything, and run through the appeal process with the toll authority 2 times already. I have not received written notice from them on my appeal. Instead, I have received a collections note from Euro Parking Collection Plc stating I now owe $146.63 USD for a GBP 2.50 toll.

Also to note, there was no way to pay the late fee at the time I paid the toll.

It is really aggravating. I do go back to the south of the UK from time to time, and don't really want to have a summons on arrival. Then there is the principal of the matter.

I can't help, but many bridges in the US are doing away with booths. Golden Gate in San Francisco is one, the bridge from the Philadelphia Airport to NJ is another. I'm sure there are many more.

Paging Tac Foley, paging Tac Foley.

I think you may be out of luck, everything is automated these days so it's impossible to get through so you can actually speak with a person to resolve the matter. The automated system probably sends out late payment notices and fines regardless the status of your appeal. "If" your appeal goes through there's probably a mechanism for the bridge authority to suspend/cancel the late payment/fines.

I'd guess you're likely going to pay more than the original toll. I wouldn't pay 146 bucks I just would never go back to the UK but only you can decide if fighting for principles is enough to keep you from ever returning to the UK.

Went driving the last two months. In several states, i had to shell out cash to toll keepers, one time there was no toll keeper, good thing I had coins.

The most efficient state was MA where they take pictures of your license plate if you don't have their radio gizmo and they send you a bill. I was able to pay online.

yeah it is a pain. At every point of contact I have responded, but received nothing back from them other than attempts to collect.

I have called, followed their online process etc.

I think the odds of it impacting me flying over for work or social are low, and so I am going to keep responding with my disputing and they can pound sand as far as getting money out of me. I am not in their jurisdiction, and they cannot summons me while I am abroad. they can sell the ticket to a collection agency, but that would, I am guessing, release it from the government side of things.

Sounds like taxation without representation...

I’d write a letter to the Queen. She’d probably be glad to help straighten this out.

quote:

I think the odds of it impacting me flying over for work or social are low, and so I am going to keep responding with my disputing and they can pound sand as far as getting money out of me.

Sounds like the opening scene for Jason Bourne Part VII.

Watch out for black SUVs with machine guns sticking out the windows.

Years ago I got a parking ticket with a rental, near or in San Francisco. I just threw it in the trash.

Nowadays they have more ways to track you down, and keep adding fees & penalties. At some point may as well just pay it off.

quote:

Originally posted by KMitch200:

quote:

I think the odds of it impacting me flying over for work or social are low, and so I am going to keep responding with my disputing and they can pound sand as far as getting money out of me.

Sounds like the opening scene for Jason Bourne Part VII.

Watch out for black SUVs with machine guns sticking out the windows.

My Italian father emigrated to the US in 1947 when he was 17.
In the 60's he went to Rome on business and back in those days you had to give your passport to the front desk when you checked in.
About 2 am one morning there was a lot of banging on the door. When he opened it there were several Italian National police there who arrested him for failing to register for the military.
It took the State Department several days to get him out of jail...
He did go back and never had any further issue...

My brother, SIL, wife, and I went to Germany a couple of months ago. I rented a car, and my brother and I shared driving duties. A couple of weeks after we got back, I got an email from the rental car company saying we had gotten a speeding ticket, and they had informed the Polizei of my contact info. I eventually got a ticket from the local jurisdiction for 15 Euros, but the administrative fee from the rental company was 25 Euros. Fortunately, it was issued on a day when my brother was driving, so he ponied up for the ticket and admin fee.

quote:

Originally posted by arfmel:
I’d write a letter to the Queen. She’d probably be glad to help straighten this out.

I had the same thought. Not to write the Queen, but maybe the UK tourist office. I'd tell your story and end with: This is a great way to discourage tourism to the UK.

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posted December 06, 2018 08:46 PM Hide Post
I’d write a letter to the Queen. She’d probably be glad to help straighten this out.

Good idea, but she is kind of busy. How about Prince Charles? I am sure he could squeeze in some time when he is not feeding his favorite squirrels.

If you rented the car on a credit card, contact them. They may be able to help.

Pay

Pay

I still have an outstanding bill of €100 in Italy. My Italian friends say to pay it or I cannot rent a car again. The polizia gave me a website so I could see the picture of me committing the offense in Pisa. No picture.

quote:

Originally posted by DJ_Boston:

Along the way, we crossed over the Dartford crossing. Expecting the toll, we had the GBP 2.50 in our hands. We hit the customary traffic, and then saw the toll was no longer collected by hand- it was collected on their website. They give you until midnight the next day to pay it.

I paid it on the 3rd day, as I had no internet until then- it was the first thing we did when we checked into the hotel. I have the receipt for it.

Because it was late, the toll ran my plates with the rental agency, and they charged me GBP 40 for that privilege.

Pay the toll and fees ... it is YOUR responsibility to pay it by midnight the next day - regardless of whether or not you had internet access. That's YOUR problem, not thiers.

The French said fuck it. Yellow vests are painting over the traffic radar cameras. They recognize the devices for what they are. Tax collection devices.

quote:

Originally posted by ZSMICHAEL:

quote:

posted December 06, 2018 08:46 PM Hide Post
I’d write a letter to the Queen. She’d probably be glad to help straighten this out.

Good idea, but she is kind of busy. How about Prince Charles? I am sure he could squeeze in some time when he is not feeding his favorite squirrels.

"Dear Prince Charles,
you goofy fucker..."