BBC News : Congestion charges face legal challenge

[lists@notatla.demon.co.uk]

From: cryptlist@ubik.demon.co.uk

> > "About 230 cameras will be used to take pictures of number plates, which
> > will then be checked with a central database to see if the fee has been
> > paid. "

> I don't remember it being covered on the list.

> > Hmmm... one wonders exactly _which_ database 

> My understanding is basically:

> Databases owned/operated by Transport for London.  At the end of the day
> reconciliation is made between the car registrations recorded and the
> registration numbers of vehicles that have paid for that day.

> http://www.capita.co.uk/news.cfm?objectID=5D4D2F6D-3131-11D6-859900306E005104

Something I haven't seen covered in news stories on this is the fact that 
the £120 fine for entering the controled area without a pre-purchased
ticket surely penalises drivers who got lost while not intending to enter
that area.  To say nothing of the road closures and diversions that are
common in London making this more likely.  I reckon the usual £5 or whatever
charge should apply in such cases.

But what should be the charge for a Royal Mail vehicle before 9am ?