Kate Osborne MP said:
“I am delighted that these inaccurate outstanding toll charges and added fees have been settled.”
“I’ve had a number of constituents contact me regarding inaccurate charging, but this instance of £32,000 was frankly ridiculous.
I know this matter was causing a great deal of stress and anxiety, with both my constituent and her employer raising this with Tyne Tunnel without success, I am pleased that following my contact with Tyne Tunnel 2, they finally agreed to scrap the vast majority of the outstanding toll charges and penalties”
Background:
Earlier this month, a constituent contacted the Jarrow MP’s office in distress about receiving a fine of unpaid charges and added fees totalling over £32,000. Kate’s constituent informed her that she started a new job and the role involved driving through the Tyne Tunnel.
The employer was the account holder for the constituent and by mistake, had typed one wrong digit for the registration plate. This then led to numerous fines being issued.
The constituent, who has health problems, received numerous letters relating to this unpaid charge which caused her a great deal of stress and anxiety.
The employer explained that they had been in contact with Tyne Tunnel 2 about this issue on numerous occasions but were unable to get the situation resolved.
As a result of this ever-growing debt, Kate’s constituent’s mental health had taken a severe downward turn and both her and her employer were fearful this substantial debt will eventually impact on her job role.
However, following contact from Kate’s office almost £32,000 of charges were written off and the constituent’s employer agreed to fund the remainder of the outstanding balance of around £800.
This has relieved Kate’s constituent of a substantial amount of stress which was causing her to have sleepless nights and a great deal of anxiety.
Notes:
The constituent has agreed for Kate to speak to the press about her case.
I’d urge anyone else having issues to get in touch [email protected]
Kate Osborne MP’s office has had success in overturning a further 3 fines issued by TT2 in the past 12 months and at least 1 other ongoing case open.