A COUPLE are locked in a battle over a fine imposed under London's new congestion charge system - despite the fact they have not been to the capital since the tolls were introduced.

Brian and Beverley Masterman were stunned when an envelope dropped on their doormat in Scotton, North Yorkshire, demanding £40 for breaching the regulations last week.

"The letter said they had video evidence that our car went past the new machines without paying and, if we don't pay the £40 fine immediately, then it will rise to £80 and then £120," said 33-year-old Mrs Masterman.

"The thing is, just before the time given on the ticket, Brian was dropping me off at work in Richmond - he would have had to drive pretty quickly to get all the way to London in 15 minutes."

At first the couple thought they may have been the victims of a scam, but inquiries with police and trading standards proved the fine was genuine.

A spokeswoman for the Greater London Authority said, if the Mastermans had not been to London, someone could have altered their own registration plate to dodge the fee.

"We understand some people are being a bit naughty," she said. "If someone doctors their number plate, it's possible they could avoid the fine which would be sent to someone else."

Nevertheless, the authority has yet to settle with the Mastermans. They have been told they will have to write to provide evidence they were not in London at the time.

"I've been told, if we can't, then we will have to pay the fine but I have no intention of doing that - even if I have to go to court," said 36-year-old Mr Masterman.

Since the controversial charge was introduced last month, there have been a number of glitches. Last week, a similar penalty letter was sent to a museum for a veteran car that has not been driven for more than 40 years.