Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about Transport for London’s handling of a penalty charge notice. This is because Transport for London has allowed Ms X to pay the penalty charge at the discounted rate of £80 and it is unlikely investigation would achieve anything more for her.

The complaint

1. Ms X complains Transport for London (TfL) took too long to reissue a penalty charge notice (PCN). She says she was away when TfL reissued the PCN and was not therefore able to pay the PCN at the discounted rate.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’, which we call ‘fault’. We must also consider whether any fault has had an adverse effect on the person making the complaint, which we call ‘injustice’. We provide a free service, but must use public money carefully. We do not start an investigation if we decide the tests set out in our Assessment Code are not met. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

3. I considered information provided by Ms X and the Authority.
4. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

5. In response to Ms X’s complaint TfL offered Ms X a further opportunity to pay the PCN at the discounted rate of £80, which is what she wanted. She has now paid the £80 and the case is closed.
6. TfL offer provides a suitable remedy for the complaint and we cannot say the PCN is invalid or should be cancelled. It is therefore unlikely we could achieve anything more for Ms X.

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Final decision

7. We will not investigate this complaint. This is because it is unlikely investigation would achieve anything more for Ms X.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman