Transport for London (TfL) has admitted that it incorrectly fined a motorist for using his car in the capital despite him donating it to the Ukrainian army.
Charles Cooper drove his Volvo SUV to Ukraine in August 2023, but received a number of Ulez fines from TfL after his car was allegedly spotted by automated number plate recognition cameras in London last October.
The chartered accountant said the fines were sent late last year but he did not receive them straight away as he was travelling in Greece.
After returning home in January, he found letters from TfL who had escalated the threats to take him to court for non-payment, forcing Cooper to spend over £300 on lawyers to fight the case.
TfL has admitted that they incorrectly fined a motorist for driving his car in London despite him having donated it to Ukraine
PA
However now, in a change of tune, the Greater London Council body has admitted that they made a mistake and have cancelled the fine.
It told the MailOnline that the penalty was “issued in error” and have apologised to Cooper “for any distress caused”.
A TfL spokesperson said: “After a review of Mr Cooper’s case it is clear that the charge was issued in error. We apologise for any distress caused and have cancelled the outstanding charge.”
Cooper said that his vehicle was sent to Ukraine by the 4Ukraine humanitarian aid group, which delivers cars and medical supplies from the UK.
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Charles Cooper drove his Volvo SUV to Ukraine in August 2023 to donate to the war effort
ReutersHe said that TfL was demanding hundreds of pounds from him in penalties through the courts and that he would “rather go to prison” than pay the fee.
“I have already provided adequate information showing details of the export of this vehicle to the Ukrainian army, with associated paperwork," he told The Telegraph.
“I am not aware if the case has been abandoned. This situation is positively Orwellian. What sort of country are we living in?”
He said that TfL sent him a blurry photo of a car which they claimed was his number plate, despite him having donated his car to Ukraine months prior.
TfL have since apologised to Cooper for the error
PAA letter sent to Cooper by TfL said: “We have reviewed the vehicle image(s) and believe that the charge(s) have/has been raised correctly.”
TfL said it had launched an investigation into the matter.
Khan’s controversial scheme was expanded in August last year to Greater London.
Drivers of non-compliant vehicles now must pay a daily fee of £12.50 to drive into the city through the zones.
