Drivers' black box could end C-charge fines

A gadget that automatically pays the £8-a-day congestion charge each time a motorist enters the zone is unveiled today.

Its creator says it will save thousands of drivers a penalty if they forget to pay the charge. It could also severely dent the revenue made by Transport for London from fines - the value of those issued each year is £95 million.

Dubbed "the KenBuster" in honour of Mayor Ken Livingstone, who launched the C-charge in 2003, the device uses satellite tracking to monitor a driver's car.

As soon as it enters the charging zone, the unit sends a signal to a service centre which dispatches a congestion charge payment the same day.

The money is then deducted from the driver's debit or credit card and a text message is sent to their mobile phone confirming payment.

Motorists can also receive a text message at 8pm each day, confirming whether or not a charge has been made.

"It is so simple you wonder why it hasn't been done before," said inventor Matthew McCluskey, 28, who funded development with the proceeds from his former fund management job in the City. The idea came to him while he having a bath. He said: "It was my Archimedes moment. I had just returned from holiday and had driven to the airport on the day I left but forgot to pay the charge.

"I came back to yet another £100 fine and suddenly thought, 'Why not devise a satellite navigation device that not only knows when you've entered the zone but makes sure the toll is paid too so you never get fined again?'"

Mr McCluskey, from Shad Thames, quit his job to launch the KenBuster Company, investing a six-figure sum of his own money. He has set up the service centre in Paddington and the device goes on sale today.

Each unit is registered to one vehicle and must be placed on the dashboard each time a journey is made. It is powered by the cigarette lighter.

The KenBuster costs £199.99, which covers its use for ever, or drivers can pay £49.99 for the unit and £8 a month in a 12-month contract.

It is available only via the internet. Mr McCluskey said he tested the device on his Alfa Romeo and his girlfriend's car.

Mr McCluskey said: "London traffic is problematic but it's the fine for forgetting that we disagree with... The KenBuster is a saviour for London motorists who feel demonised by fines."

About a third of TfL's income from the congestion charge comes fromfines of £100, or £50 for prompt payment.

Transport for London said: "We are not aware of any device that automatically pays the congestion charge and this company has not approached us."