Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about a congestion charge penalty charge notice. Since Ms X appealed it to London Tribunals, the matter is no longer within our remit.

The complaint

1. Ms X complains Transport for London (TfL) wrongly issued her with a congestion charge penalty charge notice (PCN). Ms X says this caused her stress and an unnecessary burden.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers but also imposes restrictions on what we can investigate.
3. We cannot investigate a complaint if someone has appealed to a tribunal about the matter. (Local Government Act 1974, section 26(6), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

4. I considered information provided by the complainant.
5. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

6. Ms X appealed against the PCN to London Tribunals (LT) and as such, we no longer have the legal remit to investigate, as per paragraph three.

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Final decision

7. We cannot investigate Ms X’s complaint because it is no longer within our remit since she appealed the PCN to LT.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman