The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint about a Penalty Charge Notice issued to him. This is because he appealed to the London Tribunals.
The complaint
Mr X says Transport for London (TfL) issued a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) to him for a car he had sold. Mr X says TfL have tried to recover the debt through a debt recovery agency and this has caused him distress.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
London Tribunals (previously known as the Parking and Traffic Appeals Service) considers parking and moving traffic offence appeals for London.
We cannot investigate a complaint if someone has appealed to a tribunal. (Local Government Act 1974, section 26(6)(a), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by the complainant.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
Mr X says he sold his car, and then received a PCN. Mr X appealed to the London Tribunals, but his appeal was refused.
The law says we cannot investigate a complaint where there is a right to appeal to an independent tribunal and this has been pursued.
Final decision
We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint because he has appealed to the London Tribunals.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman