Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the enforcement of a Penalty Charge Notice. It is reasonable to expect Mr X to apply to the Traffic Enforcement Centre to seek to regain his appeal rights, and then to appeal to a tribunal.

The complaint

1. Mr X complained the Council imposed Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) on a vehicle he no longer owns. The Council has now imposed a charge certificate.
2. Mr X said this caused distress.
3. Mr X wants the Council to redirect the PCNs to the registered owner of the vehicle.

Back to top

The Ombudsman’s role and powers

4. The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers but also imposes limits on what we can investigate.
5. We cannot normally investigate a complaint when someone could take the matter to court or use a right of appeal, reference or review to a tribunal about the same matter. However, we may decide to investigate if we consider it would be unreasonable to expect the person to go to court or appeal. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 26(6)(a) and (c), as amended)
6. London Tribunals considers parking and moving traffic offence appeals for London, and the Traffic Penalty Tribunal for the rest of England. The Traffic Enforcement Centre (TEC), part of the county court, considers applications to set the PCN process back where there has been procedural fault.

Back to top

How I considered this complaint

7. I considered information from Mr X, and the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

Back to top

Final decision

8. We will not investigate this complaint because it is reasonable to expect Mr X to apply to the Traffic Enforcement Centre to regain his appeal rights, and may then appeal the PCN if the TEC agrees.

Back to top

Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman