Wolverhampton man's car clamped over bus lane confusion

Izel Hood, of Cardiff Street, Pennfields, was caught by a bus lane camera on December 9 2015 when he accidentally drove into the lane in Birmingham City Centre.

Mr Hood, who has dyslexia, was issued with a penalty charge notice by Birmingham City Council, but refuted the notice on the grounds that he did not know that the lane was there.

He was in the city to attend an event run by University of Wolverhampton, where Mr Hood has been studying for a BA degree in music performance.

Mr Hood said: "Realising that, most of the main roads leading to New Street were blocked off due to works being carried out, with some being one way only, I got lost.

"I was going up and down from one street to the next, like ping pong.

"In trying to navigate my way out, I became disorientated and totally confused. I was not aware that I ended up in a bus lane. I was panicking frantically, trying to find my way to my destination."

Since then, Mr Hood has received letters from the council about the notice payment being outstanding. But he has continued to refuse to pay.

Now, his car has been clamped until he pays the £407 which is now outstanding since the first notice of £97.

Bailiffs said that Mr Hood owes the £407 made up of the £97 fine, as well as a £75 compliance stage fee and a £235 enforcement stage fee.

Mr Hood, who is unemployed, said: "I had not driven into Birmingham city centre for many years, and when I did, I did not know I was in a bus lane.

"They sent me the notice, which I appealed and then they got back to me saying it was still valid because there were signs, even though I couldn't see any.

"Then it went on an on with me fighting them every step of the way, and them keep coming back telling me I owe more and more money. Now, they say I owe £407 and have sent bailiffs out to collect it.

"I don't have that sort of money. So they clamped my car. I can't go anywhere but I won't give up."

A Birmingham City Council spokesperson said: “Bus lane enforcement cameras are an important tool in helping to keep the city moving and the council has ensured that all signage and road markings are not only legally and technically compliant, but also fair and reasonable.

“Anyone who believes they have received a penalty charge notice unfairly is entitled to appeal against it. Mr Hood has been unsuccessful in his appeal, including failing to submit a further appeal to the independent adjudicator within the statutory time limits, and has now exhausted all possible appeal options, resulting in recovery action being taken. The council has followed the statutory process correctly throughout this case.”