London Congestion Charge Fine Ridiculous

I had to go to London last Tuesday. Of course, going to London is always a nightmare, but what should have taken about 2 hours to drive from Bristol to Westminster took about 4 hours 15 minutes. There was an accident on the M4, you see.

I hardly ever go to London, and in particular had never driven in since the introduction of the congestion charge. I had an important meeting to attend to in london and my colleagues and I had to carry some equipment, so there wasn’t really any other option. To make a long story short, I forgot to pay the congestion charge of £8.

I remembered yesterday, and phone to pay. As it stands after 24 hours the charge goes up to £50. That is 6.25 times the original charge. The penalty is a steep £42.

It’s not even like I tried to avoid paying it. I hadn’t received a notice to pay; I simply forgot. I phoned to pay, expecting at worst that there would be a, say, 50% surcharge.

I don’t know how they get away with it. Credit cards companies have been forced to cut their £20-£25 charges to £12 for late payment.

Thanks London. Here, have all my money.

~ by martindupras on December 2, 2006.