DVLA action for unlicensed vehicle.

2.5_Chris

Hi all.
I sold a Honda, last year, at beginning of July. I therefore sent log book attachment to DVLA, with new owner details. I did not recieve a confirmation letter, so I emailed them, as a follow up step. I was advised to send letter, listing new owner details again. I did so. I still didn't recieve a confirmation letter, so my other half phoned them. On the second phone call, she was told that there was a back log of mail, and if there was a problem they would notify us. The representative said she would also amend details on computer.
I haven't heard anything else, until now, when i recieve a letter from Inter-credit International Ltd, that I am being offered an out of court settlement of paying £80. It also states my car can be clamped and impounded.
And that I maybe in breach of Section 7A, and may be liable for a minimum £1000 fine.
As well, Inter-credit International is claiming I have ignored previous correspondence.
I have not had any previous letters!
I contacted the new owner, and he said he scrapped the vehicle, about two days after purchasing.
Am I better off taking this to court?
Which car can they clamp and impound, any car I own?
Any advice greatfully recieved. :beer:

Premier_2

Sorry, are you saying you think you sold a car which you had outstanding finance on?

If so, you didn't as it wasn't your car to sell - it belonged to the finance company. I'd keep away from any court if you can.

2.5_Chris

Hi Premier.
No, the car was mine to sell. It had no outstanding finance (I don't buy cars, with that method.), or anything like that. It was on a SORN, at the time, I believe. I had just bought a lesser mileage Honda.:beer:

Torby

Premier wrote: »

Sorry, are you saying you think you sold a car which you had outstanding finance on?

If so, you didn't as it wasn't your car to sell - it belonged to the finance company. I'd keep away from any court if you can.

Think it sounds more like the DVLA has "fined" him and the debt been passed on...doubt if its anything to do with selling a car on finance...but I await the OP to confirm...

Premier_2

I'm confused.

Where does Inter-credit International Ltd come into this? Was that a personal loan from them? Why are they claiming you owe them money?

2.5_Chris

Premier wrote: »

I'm confused.

Where does Inter-credit International Ltd come into this? Was that a personal loan from them? Why are they claiming you owe them money?

Me too!!
I have again Emailed DVLA, and they refuse to anser my questions regarding
Inter-credit International Ltd.
from what I can gather, DVLA did not amend the "New owner details", when I sold the Honda. Therefore, DVLA, are trying, via, Inter-credit International Ltd,
to fine me, for not continuing the SORN. The fine, is for "Unlicensed vehicle."

2.5_Chris

Torby wrote: »

Think it sounds more like the DVLA has "fined" him and the debt been passed on...doubt if its anything to do with selling a car on finance...but I await the OP to confirm...

Hi Torby.
If anything, the fine should have been passed on to the new owner, which it wasn't.
I informed DVLA of new owner details, via several different methods, but DVLA, did not amend the details, hence why I am being fined, for a car, I technically was not responsible for.

Premier_2

Inter-credit International Ltd appear to be a debt collection company (quite aggressive too, arnt they all?). I think they buy debts up and then try & collect them. They appear to collect debts for utilities, council tax etc .... but I guess any crediter can use them.

What makes you connect the £80 claimed as owed to the vehicle and/or DVLA?


Edit: also which Act are they on about when they suggest you might be in breach of section 7a ?

Premier_2

2.5_Chris wrote: »

...from what I can gather, DVLA did not amend the "New owner details", when I sold the Honda. Therefore, DVLA, are trying, via, Inter-credit International Ltd,
to fine me, for not continuing the SORN. The fine, is for "Unlicensed vehicle."

Do you have proof of posting the required information to DVLA? Proof of receipt would be even better. Perhaps not the first time, but the second time you wrote as you were requested to do?

Do you remember when you made that phone call to DVLA about there being a backlog? If so, it was probably recorded, so for £10 you can request a copy of that recording.

If the car was scrapped 2 days after you sold it, why does the car need to be SORN?
(Though it does seem rather odd that someone buys a car and then scraps it within 48 hours)

2.5_Chris

Premier wrote: »

Inter-credit International Ltd appear to be a debt collection company (quite aggressive too, arnt they all?). I think they buy debts up and then try & collect them. They appear to collect debts for utilities, council tax etc .... but I guess any crediter can use them.

What makes you connect the £80 claimed as owed to the vehicle and/or DVLA?


Edit: also which Act are they on about when they suggest you might be in breach of section 7a ?

"Debt recovery notice.

Dear Mr *****,
RE:Vehicle Registartion Number G ****** - Honda Prelude EX.
As you have ignored all previous letters, the DVLA is currently preparing a claim against you as the registered keeper of an unlicensed vehicle.
Should you wish to avoid this action, you must pay an out of court settlement of £80.00 immediatly, otherwise legal action through the courts may commence and your vehicle may be clamped and impounded.
The intended action will be made in accordance with section 7A of the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994. Please be aware that you are (or you may be ) also contravening Section 31A of the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994 (or of the act), which commands a minimum fine of £1,000.00 if convicted.
The payment of £80.00 by credit/debit card must be made, etc, etc. "

^ From Inter-Credit International LTD.

Normally the mail here is quite good, although, there is a road, about two streets a way, that has a very similar name to my road , but one letter different.

2.5_Chris

Premier wrote: »

Do you have proof of posting the required information to DVLA? Proof of receipt would be even better. Perhaps not the first time, but the second time you wrote as you were requested to do?

Do you remember when you made that phone call to DVLA about there being a backlog? If so, it was probably recorded, so for £10 you can request a copy of that recording.

If the car was scrapped 2 days after you sold it, why does the car need to be SORN?
(Though it does seem rather odd that someone buys a car and then scraps it within 48 hours)

I'm really not sure. As its been a while. That as well as not even knowing there was a problem, until now, leaves me at a dis advantage. Think I was on Income support, at the time, so maybe we tried to save money?
Have Email though.
Interesting regarding phone calls, thank you.
Again I'm not sure, why there would be a need to extend SORN. Car had 170,000 miles, and was worth more in scrap, I believe, plus it had alloys. Think the guy who bought it for £50, made £40 (+ £50 back) by scrapping shell, and selling on alloys. I needed cash, did not want to insure (No MOT though), just to drive it to yard, and cold not borrow vehicle to tow, or lift. Needed space aswell.