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Written question asked by Lisa Smart (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 9 October 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 13 October 2026. It was answered by Justin Madders (Labour) on Friday, 16 October 2026 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Bridges: Tolls

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether they will consider introducing a requirement for operators of road user charging schemes at toll crossings to issue penalty charge notices by signed-for delivery, in order to provide proof of receipt before any increased charge is applied.

Answer

It is incumbent on operators of road toll and charging schemes to treat drivers fairly. The applicable regulations for road user charging schemes specify a more generous timescale for the delivery of penalty charge notices than the targets for Royal Mail delivery of first- and second-class post. Not having received a penalty charge notice is a valid reason for drivers to appeal a charge certificate issued under these Regulations.

Requiring signed-for delivery of penalty charge notices would introduce a significant additional administrative cost on scheme operators, which would fall ultimately on road users through higher tolls and charges.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
33383
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Bridges Tolls
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk