In April 2008, the English disabled (and older persons pass) persons bus pass changed. We're now able to use the passes between 9.30am & 11pm Monday-Friday and all day at weekends and Bank Holidays. I am sure I read somewhere that the rules are different if you use your pass in London - there is no Monday-Friday restriction? Unfortunately, I can't remember where I read this. Can someone please confirm whether this is correct, please? Thank you

Hi All, This is going to sound like a very silly post and I have been an absolute idiot in my actions and completely regret this now. Basically I have a monthly travel rail travel card and I thought this allowed me onto the busses too, as I pay so much for it a month. I know I have to use my Oyster on the underground though, but don't often travel on the underground. I was travelling on the bus one morning to work, when a ticket inspector asked for my ticket, I showed my monthly pass and ID card. Apparently this is not valid on the busses, we came to my stop and both got off. I was completely flustered and panicking, not ever being in this situation before. I very stupidly gave my correct name, but a pervious address (not sure I got the postcode right though) and for some stupid reason I also gave the wrong DOB. They then wanted to verify it by calling a friend or family member and I said there was no one to call, again I was just not thinking straight and panicked, I then just walked away, no idea why I did this and really regret it. The ticket inspector still had hold of my new monthly ticket with my name on and ID number, which I just completely forgot that they had hold of. I am now so worried about what will happen, will they write to me at the address I gave or will they look up my new address on the system that my monthly card is allocated to? I completely understand that I have acted in a very stupid way and I want to make it right or at least have the opportunity to apologise and pay a fine or admin costs? But I have no idea if I wil be contacted and if so at which address, I am worried they will write to the wrong address and I may nerve know about it. I know I have got myself into a complete mess, but what do I do now? Should I call the transport inspectors and talk to them about what happened? Any advice is welcome, I know I am in the wrong, just one silly decision lead to another and I just panicked, as I had just started a new job and was so worried about being late. Thanks for reading.

Although this firm probably aren't acting unlawfully they're certainly using some very dubious tactics in order to shift their products! I applied online for what I *thought* were some free samples of facial moisturiser ... but what I was really applying for was a free trial of these products. (Spot the subtle difference? Well I didn't notice it at the time.) I was asked for £3.95 to cover postage ... and (silly me) used my credit card to pay for it. In due course the samples arrived ... 3 little tiny pots of 'goo'. I thought no more about it until I received my credit card statement. Not only had Deadseakit.com*LONDON taken the £3.95 for p&p, but they'd also taken £59.95 just 10 days later! Apparently the £59.95 charge was levied because I had decided to keep the product AFTER my free trial had ended! (My free trial, it appears, lasted for just 14 days ... this info is buried amongst the 'small print' at the bottom of their website). I contacted my credit card provider immediately ... but it appears that as I voluntarily supplied my credit card details to this firm there is no way that I can recoup the payment. To make matters worse ... having now read and digested their t&cs it seems that I have also entered into an 'autorefill' agreement with Deadseakit.com*LONDON ... apparently they'll send me a little pot of goo every month at £59.95 a time! (Or so they think ... but needless to say I'll be cancelling my credit card!) Ask yourselves ... what sort of firm has so little faith in its products that it has to resort to duping its customers in order to make a sale? If they truly believe that their product is worth £59.95 then why do they try to hide the price behind the 'free trial' incentive? Bah!

See below links. http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll38/bribribourbonbourbon/citypcnpg1final.jpg http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll38/bribribourbonbourbon/citypcnpg2.jpg Car was parked with a blue badge on singel yellow which is ok in Islington but this was on Golden Lane. One side of the road is Islington but I didn't realsise that the other side was City of London. The location on PCN is only Golden Lane. Also I think yellow line has a break of about 50cm-1m. hard to tell becasue it goes through motorcycle bay. the map link http://goo.gl/maps/MiSXp. The car was next to the bays at junction of Fann Street. It is in a CPZ. No photo provided by CEO. Suggestions welcome. Thank you

Hi i have contacted London Scottish about ppi and have just had a reply off them to confirm that they owe me £427 from before they went into administration and as it is from before jan 2005 i am one of there creditors. My question is will i get paid or will i be on a long list of creditors and recieve payments in dribs and drabs if any ? Any help would be appreciated.

More than 2,000 students potentially face deportation after a London university had its licence to teach and recruit overseas students revoked. London Metropolitan University has had its right to sponsor students from outside the EU revoked, and will no longer be allowed to authorise visas. Ministers say the university is not tracking course attendance and that many students have no right to be here. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-19419395

Open House London 2012 – over 750 buildings and events confirm participation in 20th anniversary edition of London’s greatest architectural showcase A highly anticipated fixture in the capital’s cultural calendar, Open House London is a truly city-wide celebration of the buildings, places and spaces where we live and work. 2012 means 20 years of Open House London and of the Open-City organisation as a whole. In recognition of this significant milestone, Open-City is presenting a festival which will be unprecedented in breadth, scale and reach over 22 & 23 September. It will be a unique opportunity to see, explore and learn about London’s amazing architecture and design over 48 hours. More than 750 buildings of all kinds will open their doors, alongside a programme of neighbourhood walks, engineering and landscape tours, night-time openings, urban jogs and experts’ talks – all for free. This year’s theme ‘The Changing Face of London’ explores issues that are relevant to local communities and how the built environment is evolving – including the design of homes, the impact of climate change, the role of architects and contemporary design in revitalising places and above all showing how good design can make London a more liveable, vibrant and enjoyable city. Highlights to include: • Iconic landmarks and towers including 30 St Mary Axe (aka the Gherkin), Heron Tower and Tower 42 • London’s infrastructure revealed with the Institution of Civil Engineers - including rides on the new Emirates Airline cable car, boat tours to the Thames Barrier and the Hoo Peninsula, engineering walks and site visits to major construction and engineering sites • East London Transformation – discover all about the transformation of East London and the Lea Valley with expert-led events showcasing the regeneration of areas surrounding the Olympic Park. • Nearly 50 projects with Landscape at their heart with the Landscape Institute – including the newly landscaped Granary/King’s Cross and Leicester Square, and the vast green roofs and insect hotel at 20 Triton Street • Several open Embassies with the British Council’s International Architecture and Design Showcase • Showcase of 100 private homes, Architects' homes and groundbreaking housing developments – from contemporary award-winners to vintage 50s and 60s designs • Eco, zero carbon and retrofit buildings, with the chance to talk to experts, see measures in action and discover how you can implement changes in your own home • Win a weekend stay at the 5* Hempel Hotel, London’s premier boutique hotel • Speak with planners, architects and engineers on how they create successful buildings and cities • Maggie’s and Open House London Night Hike on Friday 21st September – a moonlit walk through London with the opportunity to see Open House architecture and raise money for Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres • Special events and openings on Saturday night including evening film screenings at the Haggerston ‘I was here’ event and Midnight Apothecary: Liquid Engineering, cocktails with a difference at the Brunel Museum • Activities for kids and families, from architectural model-making to quiz trails http://www.londonopenhouse.org/index.html

Almost here, not long to go.

Hi everyone I know that has come up in the past before, but for different reasons. I received a PCN for driving in the bus lane. In the photo that I've attached, you can see how the solid lane of the bus lane ends with a broken line. This is followed by a bus stop and immediately followed by a left turn. This was the first time I had ever use this road. I realized I was turning left, checked the lane next to me and what I saw was a staggered line followed by the bus stop, so I turned into the lane. In this case, I should have realized that the bus stop had a solid white lane, indicating a bus lane, but surely a case can be made that the road markings are ambiguous? The fact that this is the 3rd highest fine generator in the Merton borough suggests that I'm not the only one who thinks so. Here is the google map link.

Hello, I am seeking advice on a situation involving a prosecution letter from London Midland which reads as follows: Dear Mr. ***, On **th May 2012, a person giving the above name and address was questioned by a member of staff with regard to an alleged incident on London Midland Railway. This matter has been provisionally authorised for prosecution. Before I proceed further, I invite you to respond by completing in full the bottom section of this letter, making any comments about the incident on the reverse, and send it to the above address within seven days. Failure to respond will lead to the matter being progressed without further notification. I am then aske to provide my name, adress, whether I wa the person that travelled, phone number, occupation and NI number. Although the letter says seven days, my Dad has phoned London Midland to explain to them that he has had to send the letter to my university address (which I originally gave them, but they could not verify, as I live on campus, so searching for the university address on a database would probably come up with the Post Room address), and they have kindly extended the deadline for reply by a couple of weeks to allow for this. The incident was that I was travelling from Canley to Birmingham New Street for some temporary work at the ICC. At Canley, the ticket office was closed and the permit to travel machine was out of order, so I assumed I would be able to purchase a ticket on the train. However, there was no conductor passing on the train, so I did not get the opportunity. The train arrived late at New Street, causing me to panic about being late for work. My mental state at the time was not helped by a lack of sleep due to hot weather and stress over university exams that were five days away, which I felt severly underprepared for and feared failing and not being allowed back next year. As such, the added worry of being late to work meant my head was all over the place and was not thinking clearly at all. Amongst the crowd, I did not see anyone being checked for tickets, so I thought I would be able to purchase the ticket for both journeys on my return (which I now understand was an incredibly stupid thought). However, there were ticket officers there and I was asked to show a ticket, which I obviously couldn't. I then made what was intended to be a light hearted joke of "Could've got away with one there!", which was an incredibly idiotic and inappropriate comment to make and one I don't believe I would have made if not under so much pressure at the time. I think the officer took it in the manner it was intended and didn't seem bothered when I went back to go to the temporary ticket stand to by the ticket. However, whilst in the queue, another woman came up to me and asked where I had travelled from. I answered Canley and she said "come with me" and took me back to the officer who took my details and asked me a series of questions including "What did you mean by "I could've got away with that one"? to which I replied "Without paying for a ticket." He also asked me how I would have bought a ticket had he not been there, to which I replied "On my return journey". Another question was "From what I have gathered it seems that you attempted to exit the station without purchasing a ticket. Is this correct?" I replied yes to this as it is the honest answer as I was attempting to get out of the station as quickly as possible to avoid being late for work, so didn't want to get into any further arguments, which probably would only have led to me saying something similar anyway. After these questions, I was told I would be receiving a letter and to carry on. I started to go back to the queue to pay for the ticket, when the officer stopped me and said to just go through the barriers. I again attempted to purchase the ticket for both journeys on my return, but was refused by the lady on the temporary ticket office as she said I should've had to pay a penalty fare at the time due to the inspectors, so I could only buy the ticket for the trip back. I am a university student possibly looking to go into a career teaching maths and physics, so am scared that if I am prosecuted, a criminal record would prevent me doing any modules or courses required for me to pursue this career path. I am a regular user of the train, probably averaging one trip a week since arriving at uni in October, and have paid for every trip, whether at Canley, by permit to travel, on the train or at the destination and have a stack of these tickets dating back to January. This one isolated incident has been such a dissapointing episode for me, which has caused me stress throughout and after my busy exam period. I have never been in this situation before, and am unsure how to progress. I obviously want to avoid court to avoid a criminal record and would be more than happy to pay any fine they give me to do so, as seems to be the recommended course of action on similar threads. Firstly, I would like advice on the manner in which to respond. I assume a letter of apology, explanation and offer of settlement is what I should do. Should I handwrite the letter on the back of the form with the explanation of the incident, or type up the letter separately, leaving just the explanation on the back of the letter? Also, should I include photocopies of some of my tickets to show that I am a regular paying customer? I would also appreciate your opinions on whether my foolish comment to the inspector have basically ruined any chance I have of preventing this going to court. Thanks in advance and I apologise that my first post on this forum is such a long one about an embarrasing moment of stupidity. Dan

Hi Guys. As some may recall a while ago I have lost my job due to my employer being a bit of a F and case is with employment tribunal (it was accepted jej). At the time I lost my job I have applied for JSA and 3 days later for housing/council tax benefit. That was respectively 29.02.2012 and I think 02.03.2012. It took ages to get JSA due to mistakes made by JSA and fact they lost my documents. I got my JSA benefit after 3 months, after I already found a job. Still better late then never. All my issues with getting JSA were logged in their system so Bromley council had access to it. During my application for housing/C.tax benefit I have mentioned my landlord does not accept DSS and if possible not to contact him. I have provided them with confirmation of loss of employment, statements from bank showing savings (below any limit as times are hard), proof I have applied for JSA and some other documents. They have decided to send a letter to landlord with some odd questions in regards of my application. They also sent a letter to me. Landlord was not happy and warned me I will have to move. I have replied to Bromley council in regards of questions they asked me and explained that landlord will not reply as he does not want to (rule towards all his tenants) and does not have to. They refused my benefit mid April based on fact I had no JSA (they knew it was on going) and landlord not replying. I made an appeal towards end of April, explained landlord situation again and JSA situation. As soon as I got my JSA confirmation (20th of May) I provided it to Bromley council. Since then had no contact from them at all. When I called on 11th June I was told my application is still on hold as my landlord did not reply. I asked the person I spoke to if there is a legal requirement I can quote to landlord to force him to reply, she put me on hold for quite some time and when she got back I was told no there is not. In other words his reply is voluntary yet they still do not want to process my claim despite me being entitled to the benefit. Because of their games during entire 3 months of my job search I was stressed like hell as I had no money coming in. Now I am still stressed as I am living of my overdraft and CC until 1st pay. I will have to pay interest on that. I do not feel their actions are reasonable or fair. Unlike many in this country I worked most of my adult life. In 8 years employment I was claiming benefit for total of 5 months (3 months now). I can safely say I am not a lazy person living off benefits. Yet they do everything in their power to not give me money I am entitled to. I am going to try and have a meet with them tomorrow. They do not do walk-in meetings, only by appointment. Obviously Monday to Friday 9:00 till 17:00 only, as I have a new job no way to get a day off in future. I have an off day on Friday and they can only book appointment for me in 2 weeks time. If I do not succeed I will leave a letter with them. Now knowing what has happened can someone tell me how to take court action against Bromley council for not paying my benefit, stress they caused me and extra costs I have because of them? I do not want to do that but I know they will say no to my benefit as landlord did not apply. Thx to them I also have to move by 23rd as landlord got ****ed off.

Hope this is correct forum We are planning a trip on a weekday soon to the V&A Museum in Kensington. I am slightly confused about the boundary of the CC. TfL's map show the zone as Hyde Park -ish, but I seem to recall that the road is marked with a "C" just over the junction of the A4 and Earls Court Road Any thoughts please?

I really fancy one of these http://www.bluedoorbicycles.com/2012/05/bamboo-bike/ Just out of curiosity if nothing else.

Ok, here's the situation... On Friday i drive in to the Congestion Charge zone. I forget to pay charge that day (for those of you who are unaware you are allowed to pay the charge up to midnight the following day) So, the following day at around 22:15 i go on to TFL's website to pay the charge but, i am greeted with a notice, which tells me the website is undergoing maintenance and they are unable to take payments. The website should be back up on Sunday at approx 1am. MMmm, funny how it is back up one hour past the time i am able to pay the charge don't you think? I read further and it tell me that i am able to pay by telephone but, the lines close at 22:00 on a Saturday. I am able to pay in a shop that supports PayPoint but in shops i am unable to pay for the previous or following days. So, in other words i am unable to pay for the previous day so i can expect a fine through the post. I feel this is greatly unfair of TFL. They give people the option to pay the following day and when they do that option is suddenly not in operation because of website maintenance. It was very funny how the rest of the website was in perfect operation but the only part they needed to maintain was the payment section. I feel this is a right stitch up and something TFL do to pull in extra money from motorists. I am going to appeal but am interested to know what people think of my chances of an appeal being a success.

Hello everybody, Basically when I moved into my flat with my fiancee, we had an independent inventory done, where they documented the state of the flat in photos as well as writing. I have a copy of this inventory, which verifies that the place wasn't in a very good state when we moved in (it basically hadn't been cleaned). Our tenancy contract basically said that we needed to leave the flat as we found it. Instead, we left it in better condition (not spotless, but clean at least). When we moved out, we couldn't find a time to meet with the landlady, so we just left the keys inside for her to collect. we didn't think of taking pictures as we'd had a good relationship with the landlady and were basically just totally confident that she would be happy with the state of the flat given how unclean it was when we moved in. Instead, we received an email saying how disappointing that the flat was not spotless, and that she'd ordered a team of professional cleaners to go wild on the place, making it look like new all over again. She now wants to charge us for that service. Again, we have the original inventory which clearly shows in photographs how bad it was when we got there, but we don't have any evidence of how we left it, since she called the cleaners as soon as she showed up. My question is: would she need evidence of how we left it to withhold our deposit? Basically, it seems to me like it would be impossible for her to produce evidence that we left it in a worse state than we found it, because we didn't, but since nobody took pictures or anything before she started cleaning, it would be our word against hers. So in this situation, could she just say that we left it in a worse state and then withhold our deposit, or would she need to provide evidence (like pictures of how she found it before the cleaners) before making such a claim? thanks so much for reading my post! -starwhal

I went to Primark on Oxford on Sunday 27th March and purchased clothing to the value of £75.00. I was served by a sales asst around 5.55pm. The store was very busy and approaching closing time. The receipt blew out of my bag as I left the store and I was unable to capture it. I called the store first thing on Monday 28th March to advise them that I had lost the receipt and need to exchange and refund some of the goods. I advised them that I could print of my bank statement and bring it to the store to show proof of purchase. The supervisor1 advised that this was not necessary and that she could print off the receipt if I knew where I was served. I was taken to the sale point and they then searched for the receipt. Supervisor2 took my card details and found my sale. Supervisor 2 allocated the receipt and said that the cash office would print it off as proof. Two and a half hours later, I was still in store waiting for supervisor2 who was obtaining my receipt / return. The customer service was absolutely sub standard and both supervisors showed no acknowledgement, regard or concern for my time or that I was still stood waiting for a response after 2.5 hours. I become very annoyed and handed back the skirt that I had picked up and left requesting the complaints number. Some of the staff and customer service managers at Oxford Street are incredibly poor and having listened to so many people complaining all morning, I say go with full determination and know your rights. I have since called the store and was fobbed off by their manager who seemed more interested in getting me off the phone. I wasted a morning in their store and left with nothing but frustration. Can I get a refund??

okay so my 16+ oyster just expired and i still havent received my new one. So i got on one of the bendy buses and didnt pay, because i am eligible for free travel on buses anyway, and what do you know, an inspector came on! Even after explaining to him that i havent received my new one, and i wouldnt have had to pay, he gave me a fine. I've just moved house, so i gave him my old address because i found it unfair to get a £25/50 fine for a journey i wouldnt usually have to pay for. Can they trace me? I gave them my real name, but wrong address. HELP please.

Having checked through my partner's credit file with her today it appears that London Scottish have posted two Arrangement to Pay markers on her account data even though the Direct Debits came out on time every time. What can we do to resolve this as obviously ATP markers are significantly detramental to us obtaining credit. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks