Do I have to pay this fine?

[HawaiianLion]

I crossed the Dartford crossing in June. I forgot to pay the charge until a couple of days later (I have the receipt). The same day they issued a penalty notice. When I received it I phoned and they said as I'd paid it was ok and they would squash the charge. Today I received another one saying as i haven't paid it's gone up to £105 plus the originally £2.50. I've phoned them but they say I have to pay £107.50 as the PCN had been issued, I needed use the PCN number when I paid late. So the charge I paid doesn't count. I can appeal but the person on the phone thinks it will be pointless as I'll lose. Do I have to pay?

Call back and speak to someone else

I read that 80% of people who appeal their fine, win.

www.dartford-crossing-charge.service.gov.uk/PcnPayment/SearchMultiplePCN

I think you have a good argument based on the fact the first person gave you diff advice. They didn't tell you you needed a different number and they told you it would be cancelled. If they'd said no you need to pay the fine you'd have paid it and it wouldn't have increased.

So I would certainly appeal.

If I appeal will the charge go up?

Exactly VivaLeBeaver. I thought it was sorted.

This almost happened to me - forgot to do it in time but paid before any penalty notice. Then I received PCN and just rang up to explain that I'd paid - they said that the amount I'd paid could be used for a future crossing but I would have to pay the PCN so I would be 'in credit'.

Sounded mad to me but I did it to avoid a fine - sounds like you have a case because you were given incorrect advice!

Can you pay and appeal? I'd be very worried about that continuing to increase, and I'd be worried uou cant prove what you were told the first time.

I know with car park tickets if you appeal the fine freezes while you're appealing so isn't put up during the appeal time. Not sure if Dartford crossing is the same but I'd hope so.

@Bluntness100 no he says if I pay I accept the charge. I'm worried about it increasing too. I cant really afford £107.50

With PCNs for parking when you appeal the clock stops, so the X number of days you have to pay before the fine increases stops until you have a response from the appeal.
Personally I would confirm this is the case and the appeal- You did pay and couldn't have used the PCN reference if you didn't have it.

Try appealing they sometimes listen if you have a good excuse

I appealed and I won 😁

All though like @theresnoonequitelikegrandma, I've had to pay the £2,50 and I'm now £2,50 in credit

Oops posted on my aunts account. That'll teach me for showing her how to set one up and not logging her out 🙄

So glad you one!