Mum who took on road tolls in court loses “faith in the justice system”
<p>Heidi Jackel says she has lost “faith in the justice system” after being hit with a massive bill for unpaid road tolls that could force her to sell her home.</p>
<p>The mother of two has taken on the might of toll road giant Transurban and lost.</p>
<p>"I've always believed there is some justice in the justice system," she says.</p>
<p>Ms Jackel maintains she honestly thought she paid $14,500 in administration fees that were sprung on her after she did not pay tolls.</p>
<p>"I would not wish this on my worst enemy," she said back in August to<span> </span><em>A Current Affair</em>.</p>
<p>"No one should have to go through this... no one."</p>
<p>Ms Jackel had been hit with a $22,000 bill for unpaid tolls which includes over $14,700 in administration fees.</p>
<p>Ms Jackel was unaware her etag had stopped working but accepted that it had and paid the $7000 in unpaid tolls.</p>
<p>But she thought the $10 and $20 administration fees were exorbitant, so she took it to court.</p>
<p>"It was so hard," Ms Jackel said.</p>
<p>"I'm really sorry."</p>
<p>Westlink M7 told Ms Jackel the administration fees were charged by Roads and Maritime Services, which she disputed.</p>
<p>"They (Westlink M7) know as well as I do that... that charge is, is… it's a rort… it's ripping people off," she said.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, a court has backed the road toll company and ordered Ms Jackel to pay the admin fees. </p>
<p>"It's very disappointing," she admitted outside of court.</p>
<p>"Because it means that anyone can charge an admin fee and not prove that that's the actual, real admin cost.</p>
<p>“The rich people and the big companies, they just get away with doing whatever they like.</p>
<p>Ms Jackel has revealed she is scared for what her future holds.</p>
<p>"I don't know... will I lose my house? I don't know, I have no idea," she said.</p>
<p>"I don't have $15,000. I don't even have $5000... all I have is the house."</p>
<p>She says she has found “the silver lining in this dark, dark cloud,” which is that she will not have to pay Westlink M7's legal costs.</p>
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