If you’ve had an unexpected driving charge

The number of roads and cities in which you might be charged a toll or fine for driving is getting bigger. For example, many cities have ‘clean air’ zones in which you could be charged for driving an older, more polluting car. And if you don’t realise you need to pay for driving on roads such as the M6 toll or the M25 Dartford Crossing, you might be surprised to get a penalty charge notice through the post.

What you can and can’t do

Very often, the best course of action will be to pay the penalty – and you may find that there’s a lower charge if you do so quickly. But you may feel you have grounds for appeal. Perhaps you’ve had a penalty for a car that you no longer own, or the vehicle was taken without your consent. Maybe you believe that there’s been a mistake.

How Which? Legal can help

Our legal experts have years of experience in helping people understand and respond to motoring penalties and charges. They’ll listen to your situation and explain why you might have been charged for driving on a given road or in a particular town. And if you think you’ve got grounds for appeal, they’ll equip you with the knowledge to take the next steps. We’ll:

• listen to what the situation is
• tell you what laws apply and why you’ve had a charge
• help you understand your options for an appeal