toll charge
I was told that I missed 5-6 six M50 toll payment from eflow UK processing party(epcplc). I initially rang epcplc to inform them that I have paid for those journeys, I was told to send them the proof, and then I was given the numbers of eflow solicitors in Ireland to clarify with them. I rang eflow solicitors, surprisingly I was given another bill(unpaid toll charge + penalties) with slightly different journeys(two journeys were different). When I queried about the differences of my unpaid record, my call was transferred to eflows to check my record. I was told my account was cleared with them, all the unpaid journeys were passed on to the solicitors, they could not see anything on their system, I needed to ring their solicitors. I explained that I already spoke to the solicitors and this call was transferred from them. Then eflow gave me the UK epcplc number. I explained that I spoke to epcplc at the very first stage..Then eflow said there was nothing on their record, whatever I owe should be with their solicitors and UK party. Apart from my mobile bill has hit the roof at this point, I was deeply frustrated.
Two penalty letters arrived at my UK address while I was on holiday with family. If I just got one letter with 3+3 penalties, I would have just paid for it to save the arguments. However, the second letter arrived with £219.29, I just could not keep the peace in mind any more.
I faxed my bank statements to eflow solicitors, and also send a copy to UK epcplc. This morning the solicitors rang to say I still owe them journeys as the fund wasn't sufficient, and did not pay on time. I told them that the payment was actually done in advance if they have a look at the date on my transactions. They then asked for the last 4 digits number on the payment card, which is clearly showing on each transaction as well! In the end, they said they are going to do more investigations..... I feel rather speechless.
I find the way of payment to M50 is quite ambiguous and not efficient. I have been on M6 toll road in the UK and other motoways in other countries. They all have got barriers to stop you before you physically pay the charge. I have nothing against the toll charge or Ireland, I am very happy to pay for what I use, but in my opinion this online payment is quite messy, and it seems to trick people into big penalties very easily, especially for those who are traveling abroad or in a hurry to get to airport. The online payment method did not give options to pick which journey to pay for. It is quite difficult when there is dispute case arises, I had to think really hard as when I travelled through M50 toll in the last three months.
I don't know what is going to happen next, but the solicitors did not sound slightly apologetic, and it seems that they can never make any mistakes!
