A minor victory for common sense this week.  And a hopeful (ok, that was totally naieve) sign that Nanny is finally getting the message that ordinary folks are really fed up with her controlling and over prescriptive approach.

This victory is close to my heart and represents a considerable change in attitude by the nice people who run TFL.   That's Transport for London (one of the better oxymoron's in my view).   Long suffering readers will recall my dispute with them concerning payment of congestion charge - I wanted to pay it a day late; they said you can't, I sent a cheque, they cashed it and then tried to fine me.   Much argument ensued.  Finally they dropped the case.   Queue much celebration.

Well now it seems they have either seen the light or, more cynically, someone (probably a lawyer) has told them that the approach they have been taking for the last 3 years was not entirely legal.   It most certainly was not equitable, but then, TFL were really only interested in collecting fines as the system doesn't even break even without them.

As of Monday June 19th you are now able to pay the charge a day late.   There is a slight increase from 8 to 10 quid, which is pretty reasonable to me.   I could be a little more cynical and suggest this is to smooth the way for the Western extension of the scheme, which will be rolled out in February 2007.   But then again, when has Major Ken ever given a fig about public opinion?

Either way, this must really rankle with those folks who paid the 75 quid fine, simply because they forgot to pay on the day..... but at least now some common sense has prevailed.   Don't expect it to catch on.