as “internet only” Lendal Bridge refund process announced
The York Council has said that drivers can apply for a refund of unlawful Lendal Bridge fines from Monday.
Private Eye 5th Sept 2014 click
However they will only be able to do so “on line” and a deadline of the 31st December has been set for applications.
The Council has become the subject of national derision following its decision to pay refunds ……….but not to tell driver that they were available.
Even the national satirical magazine Private Eye has labelled the Council as a “Rotten Borough” putting it in the same category as the likes of Rotherham and Doncaster
With Council elections scheduled for next May, it is highly likely that Labour will lose control and either an incoming LibDem or Tory administration will restart the refund process.
But in the meantime it seems that the only option for those not on the internet will be a trip to the local library or West Offices itself.
Clearly the Council are banking on the inconvenience putting many motorists off bothering.
Recently the Council decided by 5 votes to 4 not to tell drivers of their entitlement, so motorists in many in other parts of the country – and abroad – are unlikely to hear of the refund scheme.
The Council, statement reads:
All applications must be made online via www.york.gov.uk/lendalbridge
The council’s website will be updated monthly with the number of PCNs repaid.
The council will publish the total cost of the Lendal Bridge settlement process after Wednesday 31 December.
Full FAQs detailing the repayment process can be found on this webpage, or below:
Why have you decided to pay back the monies?
The Lendal Bridge trial was not about making money, it was about taking action to tackle the increasing traffic congestion in the city centre in the long term. Ultimately it was about creating a more attractive and thriving city centre for everyone.
So why then?
The council does not accept the finding of the Traffic Penalty Tribunal as regards the lawful ability to regulate traffic in this way The Lendal Bridge trial has now finished, and for this reason, the council does not consider it to be in the public interest to pursue the Review in respect of Lendal Bridge.
Why now?
The council has been given no indication of an end date for the Review. So, it has been decided that the council will draw a line under the matter, to move on with tackling the still very real issues around congestion in the city as part of the cross party congestion commission. A report on the commission is expected to be taken to a Cabinet meeting in November.
Who made this decision?
The Cabinet took the decision at its meeting on 5August in respect of those people who received a Penalty Charge Notice during the trial traffic regulation of Lendal Bridge. A repayment to settle their dispute with the Council will be made if they make an application to the council.
Will you repay everyone who got a fine? If not, why not?
If an application is made through the proper process and we can validate the details provided in the application form , we will repay the fine.
So what now for Lendal Bridge? Will it be closed again?
It is not an option for York to do nothing about the growing congestion in the city. The trial has provided the council with vital data regarding these issues and we can now move forward and engage residents in a comprehensive strategy to address air quality and congestion issues in York through the proposed cross party congestion commission.
How do people go about getting their money back?
An application process is in place which is simple but sufficient to guard against fraud and protect the public purse. You must apply via the application process. We cannot accept written or email requests. You can apply via the website at www.york.gov.uk/lendalbridge
Can I get a refund for the PCN I received on Coppergate?
No, repayments are only being made for Lendal Bridge. The Council is continuing to pursue a Review of the Tribunal’s decision in relation to the permanent Coppergate Order.
Why do I need to make an application?
So we can cross reference your details automatically with the data we hold. This will make the process faster, manageable and auditable.
Is there a time limit for making my application?
Yes, you must make your application by 31 December 2014.
I haven’t got my PCN number can I still make an application? What information will I need to provide?
Yes. Information requirements will be very simple and we will need to know your name, address and vehicle registration details.
If I received several PCNs will I get all of them refunded?
Yes, as long as the data you provide on your application form can be validated as correct against the data we already hold
How will I get my money?
A cheque will be sent to the registered keeper at the home address of the registered keeper of the vehicle.
When will I get my money?
Cheques will be generated in batches towards the end each month. Applications submitted in any given month will be processed in the following month i.e. application submitted in September, processed and cheque issued during October. We are expecting a large number of applications and it may take us some time to process them all.
Why can you not simply repay the money into my bank account?
The system must be easy and consistent to implement. We do not have bank account details for everyone and some bank card details will have changed or become obsolete since making a payment.
I am not the registered keeper of the vehicle (e.g. company car/hire car), can I still get a refund?
If you paid the penalty charge directly to the council you will be able to make an application. If your company or Hire Company paid the penalty charge and then sought reimbursement from you, you will need to speak to your employer or vehicle Hire Company as they will need to make the application.
What if I’ve changed my car since I paid the PCN?
You can still make an application. You will need to provide the registration details of the vehicle you were driving at the time the Penalty Charge Notice was issued and we can match that against our existing records..
What if I’ve moved house since I paid the PCN?
You can still make an application but you will need to provide us with your current address and address at the time you incurred your PCN.
What if I received a PCN for more than one car? I own two or three.
A separate application must be made for each vehicle.
I paid by credit card will you be refunding this charge back?
Only the value of the PCN charge will be paid as settlement of your dispute with the Council regarding a PCN. No other costs which you may have incurred will be repaid.
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