PART 7ENFORCEMENT BY THE REGULATORY BODY
Validity and effect of penalties42
1
If the relevant operator to whom a penalty notice relates is aggrieved by a penalty and desires to question its validity on the ground—
a
that it was not within the powers of regulation 38 above,
b
that any of the requirements of regulation 38 above have not been complied with in relation to it and his interests have been substantially prejudiced by the non-compliance, or
c
that it was unreasonable of the appropriate authority not to grant an application under regulation 40(8) above;
he may make an application to the court under this section.
2
An application under this section by a person shall be made—
a
where it is on the ground mentioned in subparagraph (1)(c) above, within 42 days from the date on which he is notified of the decision not to grant the application under regulation 40(8) above, and
b
in any other case, within 42 days from the date of service on him of the notice under regulation 40(6) above.
3
If an application is made under this section in relation to a penalty, the penalty need not be paid until the application has been determined.
4
On an application under this section on the ground mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) or (b) above the court, if satisfied that the ground is established, may quash the penalty or (instead of quashing it) make provision under either or both of subparagraphs (a) and (b) of paragraph (5) below.
5
The provision referred to in paragraph (4) above is—
a
provision substituting a penalty of such lesser amount as the court considers appropriate in all the circumstances of the case; and
b
provision substituting as the date by which the penalty, or any portion of the penalty, is to be paid a date later than that specified in the notice under regulation 40(6) above.
6
On an application under this section on the ground mentioned in subparagraph (1)(c) above the court, if satisfied that the ground is established, may specify different dates by which different portions of the penalty are to be paid.
7
Where the court substitutes a penalty of a lesser amount it may require the payment of interest on the substituted penalty at such rate, and from such date, as it determines; and where it specifies as the date by which the penalty, or a portion of the penalty, is to be paid a date before the determination of the application it may require the payment of interest on the penalty, or portion, from that date at such rate as it determines.
8
Except as provided by this section, the validity of a penalty shall not be questioned by any legal proceedings whatever.