C-Zones Frequently Asked Questions

How does the application work

When you turn on the application, it sends its location to the AutoAlert server which cross references this location with the congestion zones of Europe. If a zone is found, an alert will be shown in the main screen. Clicking on the alert will allow you to get more information about the zone and pay by telephone or text message where applicable.

I believe I am in zone but the application says no alerts found

The application relies on the accuracy of the GPS data and the ability of the phone to connect to the AutoAlert server. If no connection can be found, or if an old GPS location has been cached by the phone then no alerts will be shown.

You can still check whether you are in the zone by going to the zones screen and checking the areas.

How do I pay the London Congestion Charge by text

To pay by text, you first need to register with Transport for London. Once you have registered your car and a credit card, then simply choose the pay by text option, enter the registration number of your car and the last 4 digits of the registered credit card.

How accurate is the location?

In order to work out the location, the iPhone uses a combination of WiFi data, Cell-Id and the Global Positioning System of (GPS) satellites. This can provide accuracy to within a few feet although this is dependant on the visibility of location data to the phone.

Note: Often the first location will be inaccurate as the phone searches for satellites. The more satellites the phone can see then the greater the accuracy will become.

Are there any data charges?

This will depend on your tariff. AutoAlert minimises the amount of data sent. However, the more times you check then the more data will be used.

Please also be careful when checking the zones abroad as you could face large roaming charges.

What do you do with my tracking data?

Location data is stored securely in the AutoAlert system and backed up. AutoAlert has strict data protection and privacy policies.

Will my existing phone work?

The phone tracking system has been developed initially for the iPhone. However, it is expected that new phones will be added over time.

I already have a dedicated tracking device. Will it work with AutoAlert?

AutoAlert has been developed to work with different modules and phones. Contact us to find out whether your phone or tracking unit is supported by AutoAlert Tracking.

Is my phone being tracked all the time?

Your phone sends tracking data only when the C-Zones application is checking whether its in a zone.

What information does my phone transmit to AutoAlert?

The data sent to AutoAlert includes location, speed, a timestamp, and a randomly assigned id. Your phone number or other personal details are not transmitted.

How much historical data do you store?

AutoAlert stores data indefinitely. Three months of data is instantly accessible via the myAutoAlert website. Longer periods can be requested although a charge may be incurred.

How do I install the AutoAlert Tracker on my iPhone?

Check out our AutoAlert iPhone Installation Guide.

Can I share my location?

Yes. Once you upgrade your application you can log in to view your history, reports, set up new areas and share your locations with friends or colleges.

You can now also add additional users to your account and then set what they can see from your location, reports or even settings if you so wish.

What is the user name and password to log on to the myAutoAlert site?

The user name is the email you entered on registration (please note this is case sensitive). The password is the unique key which was returned when you submitted your details. Check here for additional iPhone support information.

If you have forgotten your account details, or still cannot log in, then you can request your account details

What do I do if I cannot logon to the myAutoAlert site?

This is generally due to incorrect capitalisation of the email address which also serves as the user name When you register the email, the iPhone will often capitalise the first letters. The user name is case sensitive and it is therefore important to ensure the email is entered exactly as it was input by the iPhone. Check here for iPhone setup help.

If you have forgotten your account details, or still cannot log in, then you can request your account details

Can I get delete your application?

If for some reason you don't want to keep the application on your phone, then simply press and hold the application until a message pops up asking to delete it. Then click yes.

However, before doing this, we would be grateful if you could send us any comments or suggestions as to what we could do better next time.

The application quit unexpectedly?

We are restricted in terms of how much memory our application can use. If you have a number of applications installed, or if you have not rebooted your phone for a while then it may be that your phone's memory is running low. If you're applications quits unexpectedly, try rebooting your phone.

If you have downloaded the latest iOS with multitasking, then most application will remain open in the background even if you're not using them. To free memory, and reduce crashes close some of these applications by double clicking on the home button, selecting an app and keeping your finger pressed until the red minus sign is displayed then pressing it to close that application.

I keep getting an error saying the iPhone has no internet connectivity or cannot connect to server?

This is often caused when WiFi is turned on and the phone has connected to an open WiFi connection which is not public or which has a weak signal. The iPhone will connect to the network and show that it is connected but won't be able to transmit data.

Unfortunately the only cure for this is to turn off WiFi when out so that the iPhone uses it GSM connection.

The C-Zones application just keeps checking zones but doesn't do anything?

Check that your network settings are correct and reset if necessary. If the application cannot send the location either via WiFi or across the GSM network then it won't be able to work out whether it is in one of the Congestion Zones.

How do I upgrade applications?

If the application is installed on your phone and a new upgrade is released, you will be notified by a number on the App Store icon on your phone. To upgrade, go to iTunes and select Upgrade or Upgrade All.

Note: Sometimes a simple upgrade will not update the settings of the application. To do a full upgrade, delete the application, reset the phone and then download and install it again. (there should be no charge for the new download).

What do I do if my question isn't answered here?

Please don't hesitate to contact us we're always happy to help.

What other applications do you have?

Check here for more AutoAlert iPhone applications or here for information about our portable GPS tracking units for individuals or comprehensive GPS tracking units for fleets.

Further technical support is available once logged into the myAutoAlert website. Alternatively drop us a line and we will try and answer any questions.