thanks for the good advise . it went round a very big hospital via the post room. eventually surfacing at the transport dept 2 month later . the new 1 now is correctly adressed to the transport dept

And took two months? No matter how big the hospital is, it shouldn't take that long. It just smacks of incompetence. Remind me never to be sick in Burnley!

The council may be sympathetic to your circumstances and waive the increase or even the whole amount if you are very lucky. I find it really disconcerting that a local authority would issue an NIP to an ambulance. What is the world coming to????

I would still ask your manager to contact the council and explain your position. Also to alert them to the fact that the local newspaper is taking an interest in the case, or it will be if they persist in prosecuting you.That may prompt the council to revoke the NIP. Let us know the eventual outcome.

Cheers Concrete

PS. Find your local councillor and go and see them. I have found them very helpful in the past.

This thread is an itch I want to keep scratching!!

Question for OP; Is the 'ticket' a Penalty Charge Notice issued by a Council under Bus Lane Contraventions (Penalty Charges, Adjudication and Enforcement) (England) Regulations 2005 (ST2005 No 2757)?

Alternatively is it a Fixed Penalty Notice issued using Police powers?

If the former then I think that, unless the vehicle you were using is leased to you in style of Addison Lee taxis etc, the Registered Keeper is liable for the penalty. Obviously, as your employer, they migh have put a provision in your terms and conditions allowing recovery from you. They cannot though make you the 'defendant' in their stead.

Obviously, if employer is liable, it's not your fault that stuff got lost in the internal mail. You've a good case to argue that while you accept responsibility for the infringement you would have paid reduced charge (£30?) at first opportunity and anything else is picked up by the hospitial.

And if they havn't paid yet they need to; these things NEVER go away and they'll end up with a liability order and a visit from the bailiff.