28 July 2023 , 09:56
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Around 4,700 drivers are due a refund after a "technical error" caused Clean Air Zone (CAZ) fines to be issued with the wrong date.
The blunder happened in Sheffield and occurred when clocks went forward to British Summer Time from Greenwich Mean Time on March 26.
Sheffield City Council says the fault came from a third-party supplier.
The fault meant the camera images of the cars issued non-compliant fines were stamped with incorrect data.
Due to this, Sheffield Council will be repaying the fines with the incorrect time stamp issued from March 26 until April 6 - there was also one additional case on April 12.
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For those who have already paid their penalty, Sheffield Council will retain the cost of the CAZ charge and refund the outstanding amount.
For those who have outstanding fines, the Council will have a new one issued but these drivers will be given the option to pay just the CAZ charge within 13 days, rather than both the CAZ charge and the penalty.
Sheffield Council says that the penalty charge will be applied if motorists do not take up the offer, or submit an appeal, within 13 days.
Drivers who drove within the CAZ zone during this 10-day period, and paid their charge, are not impacted.
According to the BBC, the fines handed out across the 12 day sting totalled over £500,000.
Councillor Joe Otten, chair of waste and street scene committee, said: “We were disappointed to learn this technical error and staff from our third-party suppliers and the Council and have been working to rectify the issue.
"Affected drivers will be contacted by letter this week, outlining next steps. I urge motorists to keep an eye out for their letter so we can ensure this situation is resolved for everyone as soon as possible.
"To facilitate this process and manage enquiries we have set up a dedicated phone line and email address. These contact details will be included in the letters.
"We want to take this opportunity to apologise to all those that are impacted and for the inconvenience associated with this issue.”
Several cities across the UK now have CAZ and Sheffield's zone was launched in only February of this year - this zone covers the city centre and the inner ring road.
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Like other cities, the CAZ rules don’t apply to private cars and motorcycles, but all other (polluting) vehicles driving within the area are charged.
Vans, LGVs and taxis will be charged at a rate of £10 per day, whereas coaches, buses and HGVs will be charged at £50 per day.
Those who breach the zone are fined £120 however this is reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.