Congestion fine shock for carer

Roy Davies plans to sue for compensation

A retired engineer has been issued with more than £1,000 in fines for failing to pay the London congestion charge - despite not having driven there for nearly 30 years.

Roy Davies, who is a full-time carer for his 90-year-old mother, has been threatened with bailiffs for refusing to pay a series of fines that now total £1,320.

Mr Davies, from Oswestry, Shropshire, has become so sick of the letters that keep landing on his doorstep he has swapped his car.

But he was sent another penalty notice just two weeks later.

I'm getting persecuted with London congestion charging in north-west Shropshire which is absolutely ludicrous Roy Davies

Mr Davies can prove he was on a train to Chester at the time the fine was incurred.

The police think his car registration plate has been cloned by the actual offender.

Transport for London has apologised to Mr Davies and blamed the matter on computer errors, although the fines keep coming.

The retired engineer said: "It's like a thorn in your side.

"I can't get my head round why they're bothering me."

He added: "I'm trying to care for an elderly relative, saving the country money, and I'm getting persecuted with London congestion charging in north-west Shropshire, which is absolutely ludicrous."

Mr Davies, who has already spent £300 on solicitors' fees, said he plans to press for compensation from Transport for London for the distress he has been caused.