collect services called this morning ,help plz

[watto]

Back in August last year I was driving my taxi in a bus lane , which being a hackney carriage I am allowed to do . I received a PNC from reading council charging me for entering a bus lane, I appealed saying I was a registered taxi and allowed in the bus lane and i didn't hear a ything else..until last week I got a letter from collect services saying I owed them £170 for bus lane infringement, so I called reading g council and they said that they sent me letters asking me to prove my car is a taxi, I don't know what happened but I have no record of these letters.
This morning there was a letter hand delivered from collect services saying I now owe them £407!!! And they may size my vehicle or goods. If not paid in full of arranging with a Enforcement officer..
How do I play this ,I honestly do not have that much money to give them and kind of feel cheated as I never committed an offence in the first place.
Any help so much appreciated.

[Milo]

Re: collect services called this morning ,help plz

You need to contact the Traffic Enforcement Centre to file and an Out Time witness statement.

Before doing so you have to make a lot of enquiries with the council as to where the letters had been sent. You should have received a notice of refusal to your representation followed by a Charge Certificate and an Order for Recovery.

Please make sure that you do not delay as a Hackney Carriage could be taken by a bailiff as the 'exemption' limit for vehicles needed in the course of self employment business is just £1,350.

With many Hackney Carriages however they are rented on a weekly basis so this SHOULD put them out of harms way.

[Big Al]

Re: collect services called this morning ,help plz

Surely the photograph of you entering the bus lane shows a picture of a taxi? Can't the numpties just look at that?

[bizzybob]

Re: collect services called this morning ,help plz

Surely the photograph of you entering the bus lane shows a picture of a taxi? Can't the numpties just look at that?

The £££ signs in front of their eyes obscured the Hackney carriage Plate on the rear bumper