A grieving son has slammed Tyne Tunnel bosses for not overturning a fine after he was late paying his toll due to his mother's death.
Richard Prytherch, 55, flew home from France after being told his mum was unwell but after landing in Manchester and driving to the North East his wife called to say his 83-year-old mum had passed away.
On the journey home Richard was diverted via the Tyne Tunnel but when he arrived at his family home in Ashington was met with police officers, ambulance crews and his distraught father.
Richard said paying the toll slipped his mind but two days later on October 2 he remembered and paid.
Due to a late payment, an Unpaid Toll Charge Notice was issued and despite explaining the circumstances and going through a lengthy appeals process the fine hasn't been waived.
Richard said: "We are living in France at the moment and my mum was very ill with Parkinson's Disease and was diagnosed with stomach cancer.
"I came home and was about five miles along the road and my wife called to say my mum had passed away. It was quite a hard journey and I was not going to go through the Tyne Tunnel but was diverted due to roadworks.
"I got home about 11pm and the police and ambulance crew were there. My dad was absolutely inconsolable.
"The ambulance and police went about 2am. I stopped with my dad the next day as he was wailing and screaming.
"I forgot to pay the Tyne Tunnel toll and remembered on the Sunday, I think I was about three hours late paying it."
Richard contacted the Tyne Tunnel team to explain the circumstances and asked if a fine would be issued but was told they could not speak to him as the car was registered in his wife's name.
After she contacted the team she explained what had happened but a fine was issued and they were told to submit an appeal explaining the circumstances.
Richard said there was further confusion when the Tyne Tunnel team said they had no email confirming his wife had been in touch.
Richard said: "We weren't able to speak to someone directly and had to send an email."
In a letter dated November 24, Richard was told they needed to understand how his circumstances affected his ability to pay the toll and why the UTCN was issued in error.
Further supporting documentation was asked for and could be done through a "subsequent appeal".
Richard, who has paid the fine, added: "I really just think it is disgusting that I have to provide further information about why I could not pay. I have told them why.
"It is just the way they have dealt with the whole situation. It is disgraceful. A copy of the death certificate, it is just ridiculous. It is about the fact they have been so insensitive."
A spokesperson for TT2, the operator of Tyne Tunnels, said: “Our sympathies go out to Mr Prytherch at this difficult time for him and his family. With regards to the UTCN he received, we have tried to be as flexible as possible and take into account the circumstances he faced.
“In an appeal of this type, we require to see some form of evidence – such as a copy of the death certificate and or relevant documentation provided by a medical practitioner. The UTCN will then be cancelled.
“The appeal was rejected when no evidence was supplied. However, the amount of £101.90 was reduced to £31.90 and the customer was advised to send further supporting documentation so we could review.
“The customer paid the UTCN at £31.90 and did not provide us with any further evidence.
"We would be happy to provide a refund to the customer when we receive the relevant documentation or evidence that supports the appeal. “
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