Standard, 21/1/05
Actor Tom Conti has launched a battle with congestion charge bosses over two £100 fines.
The star of Shirley Valentine has refused to pay after he twice drove into the charging zone having forgotten to pay the £5 daily toll.
Both times he tried to pay the day after. But Transport for London (TfL) says drivers must pay on the day they enter the zone.
Conti was so outraged by the punitive" rules he refused to pay - and has seen the amounts he owes rise to £314 and £295, including late-payment and administration charges.
Now he has been threatened with the bailiffs, who have warned Conti they intend to seize goods from his Hampstead home to cover the fines.
Today he told the Standard he would not back down, and described TfL's rules as "outrageous".
"In no other walk of life are the consequences so steep just for momentarily forgetting to pay £5," said Conti. "It is out of proportion to any alleged offence and it is so easy to forget on the day. With TfL they have made it as difficult as they can to pay and when you do try to pay they say 'No thanks' and take you to law instead.
"It is pure bullyboy tactics. I have an account with TfL - that makes me a customer. Why are they treating me and other customers like criminals?"
Conti has written to TfL chiefs telling them: "I welcome the arrival of the bailiffs. I'll have the kettle on and the camera running. I am hoping that if enough people challenge their methods it may cause a rethink."
But a TfL spokesman said: "The charge must be paid on the day of entry into the zone as laid out in legislation. Failure to do so could result in the penalty notice of £100 which is discounted to £50 for prompt payment.
"Failure to make payment or a valid representation will result in the penalty escalating, the unpaid debt being registered at County Court, and ultimately bailiff action.
"TfL encourages those who feel they have received a penalty notice unduly to engage with the representation and appeals process and write to TfL as instructed. If they are unhappy with TfL's decision they can take the matter to an independent adjudicator. But if drivers do not engage in the process the penalty will escalate."
The RAC Foundation said TfL was wrong to treat Conti and other drivers like "social pariahs". Spokesman Kevin Delaney said: "TfL fails to recognise the difference between someone who drives into the zone and never intends to pay and someone who temporarily forgets."
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Another lefty luvvie finally sees the truth about Leninstone.
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