Transport for London (24 015 069)
Category : Transport and highways > Parking and other penalties
Decision : Closed after initial enquiries
Decision date : 29 Jan 2025
The Ombudsman's final decision:
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a Penalty Charge Notice because the matter has been resolved.
The complaint
- The complainant, Ms X, complains the bailiffs did not pass on her full payment for a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) to the Authority. She wants the Authority to get the full payment from the bailiffs.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
- We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’. In this statement, I have used the word fault to refer to these. We provide a free service but must use public money carefully. We may decide not to start an investigation if we are satisfied with the actions an organisation has taken or proposes to take. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(7), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
- I considered information provided by Ms X and the Authority. This includes the Authority’s response. I also considered our Assessment Code.
My assessment
- The Authority issued a PCN. Ms X neither paid nor appealed so the Authority registered the fine in court and instructed bailiffs. The fine increased during the enforcement process and due to bailiff fees. Ms X made two payments to the bailiffs but did not pay the full amount that was due. She still owed £121.
- As a gesture of goodwill, and because Ms X had made attempts to pay, the Authority waived the remaining £121. This means Ms X has nothing further to pay.
Final decision
- We will not investigate this complaint. There is nothing to suggest the Authority did anything wrong, but it has resolved the complaint by waiving the outstanding fine.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman