received TE3 but can't pay

TheBex

Hi guys, I hope someone can help.

I got a ticket for being just outside the bay and over the double yellows by about 2 inches. This was last summer. My green car was marked on the ticket as blue.

I sent a letter saying I wasn't going to pay because the ticket was issued incorrectly and they replied saying I was out of time.

Last month I sent them a letter asking what was happening because it was dragging on and I didn't want an unexpected visit from the bailiffs. I also told them that their description of my car was wrong at this stage.

Now I have a letter saying the DVLA told them I owned the car (I did, but it's green!) and a TE3. Both arrived today.

The TE3 says that Northamptonshire CC have issued an order for recovery of the unpaid penalty charge. It says I have to pay £110 by the 24th of May.

I appreciate that I messed up the first bit by failing to meet the deadline, but no-one gave me a further opportunity to appeal. I don't know if they should have done.

Anyway, at this point just to make it go away I'd pay the fine. I wasn't given an opportunity to pay the £35 reduced charge after I first wrote to them, and think I should have been - anyone know?

I can only afford the £35, since I have no money and no income. I lost my job in November and have been on JSA since. The JSA has even been suspended now because my ex employers out of spite, untruthfully told the DWP I had been sacked for misconduct and I am waiting to hear the result of an appeal I made against the decision to stop payments. I've gone through my savings and maxed my CCs.

Have I got any chance of getting them off my back, or will I have to extend my overdraft (costs £25) to get £110 that I don't have to pay them? There's nothing on todays post about what to do if I can't afford to pay.

All help appreciated, I am really worried about this, I'm just trying to keep my head above water until I find another job.

Thanks in advance

Coblcris

Good advice. Very knowledgeable and accurate.
People should pay attention to this poster

Neil_B

Coblcris wrote: »

Good advice. Very knowledgeable and accurate.
People should pay attention to this poster

Certainly the best definitive advice about this end of the enforcement process and bailiff matters in general, I agree.

However, a couple of things.

Taking the OP at face value, the Order for Recovery has only just been issued so a Stat Dec would not be necessary. A simpler Witness Statement would qualify I believe - BUT - only if it was appropriate.

OP needs to clarify cos the post appears to suggest he failed to appeal in timescale. We don't actually know that an NtO was not received?
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TheBex

Guys, thank you for this.

I'll check the paper work tomorrow and let you know about the NTO. I think I had it, then wrote them the first letter, but it was at the same time as my brother got a ticket in my car, and it might be the other one I'm remembering... It's late!

Neil_B

Just a timescale of exactly what received and what sent if you can.
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