• Question by: Roger Evans
• Meeting date: 16 July 2003

But one assumes that is because of common errors in the system that so many cases are effectively let off by TfL as soon as someone submits evidence of a mistake.

• Question by: Roger Evans
• Meeting date: 16 July 2003

In the latest report to the TfL panels, it is still the case - is it not? - that the vast majority of people who appeal against their Congestion Charge fine are let off by Transport for London and in effect no evidence is offered. Why is that the case and what is being done to reduce that number?

• Question by: Lynne Featherstone
• Meeting date: 16 July 2003

): It is not commercially sensitive to tell the Chair of Transport, even the Liberal Democrat Transport spokesperson, how many vehicles have been clamped. That should be openly available information to any member of this Assembly who asks. It is not right to give people the run-a-round. It is my job to hold this to account.

• Question by: Lynne Featherstone
• Meeting date: 16 July 2003

I just thought that you might have looked into these in terms of these questions. Can we then move on to why I have such trouble extracting any information from TfL? I first phoned them on 04 June to ask them how many vehicles had been clamped or towed away and no response. I sent a formal email on 20 June requesting the information and a follow-up conversation. I was then told that I had to put the enquiry to a different department. Not until 01 July did I get an email message from Public Affairs still not giving the...

• Question by: Lynne Featherstone
• Meeting date: 16 July 2003

I would like to know how that programme is scheduled for payment and if there is any sort of basic. When we first looked at the Congestion Charge, it was agreed that there would be people - recidivists if you like - those who did not pay and might be habitual non-payers. So if crushing and clamping is at such a low level at the moment, do you have figures for the number of people who have actually had three penalty notices?

• Question by: Lynne Featherstone
• Meeting date: 16 July 2003

Crushing the wrong car would not have done the Congestion Charge any good and it is a great system and I want to support that. I am just concerned, as you go into this new phase where you are sure about what you are doing in terms of who is guilty and who is not guilty, that you do stick to what you say and that freeloaders will not be tolerated. It is not fair on the rest of the people who are paying. Compliance is a huge part of this scheme. We are told that there is a multi?million...

• Question by: Lynne Featherstone
• Meeting date: 16 July 2003

So that is not on the cards?

• Question by: Lynne Featherstone
• Meeting date: 16 July 2003

So there are no plans to try and sophisticate the scheme to allow more flexibility in terms of rebates and booking?

• Question by: Lynne Featherstone
• Meeting date: 16 July 2003

And that is a common experience about the bank statements meaning nothing to TfL.

• Question by: Lynne Featherstone
• Meeting date: 16 July 2003

I think it is totally indicative of Transport for London's desire not to give information to members of this Assembly that they could not give me an answer. I think that as Chair of Transport for London, you should instruct that if I make an enquiry or if any member to this Assembly makes an enquiry they should furnish us with information, without question. I will just move on to a few details. I think that the scheme is working extremely well and I am very much looking forward to the six?month review so that I can scrutinise it. The...