I’ve been wrongly hit with 14 ULEZ charges after confusion over my personalised car plate — I’ve never been in the zone
TfL cameras have partially matched a string of other plates to his
A DRIVER has been wrongly hit with 14 Ulez charges — despite never going in the zone.
Christopher Oxenham, 75, said he paid a total of £175 because other cars’ plates are mistaken for his personalised one.
On some occasions, he was in hospital when he racked up the £12.50 fee.
The retired insurance broker, of Warlingham, Surrey, goes out of his way to avoid entering the zone in his non-compliant Mercedes — but has set up autopay just in case.
But TfL cameras have partially matched a string of other plates to his — which has only two digits and three letters.
Christopher has successfully appealed all 14 charges but said: “Two days ago it was a Vauxhall, one day ago it was a Hyundai. I’ve had 14 now, not one of the vehicles was mine.
“TfL never notices their mistakes as it’s 100% computerised.
“It is only when you complain that they realise a mistake has occurred.
“With each occurrence you are guilty until you prove your innocence.
“Why should I place my cherished number plate that I’ve owned for 29 years on retention just because of TfL’s incompetence?
“This does get you down.”
TfL said: “We apologise for any distress this has caused Mr Oxenham.
“This is a very rare occurrence, but unfortunately our Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras have misinterpreted the registrations on the other cars as Mr Oxenham’s registration and incorrect charges were applied.
“We have refunded all charges paid and have put in extra measures involving further checks to avoid this happening in future.”