Bailiffs demanding payment for parking ticket

THORNEY1_2

I had the baileffs round demanded money for non-payment of parking ticket. I was not in but they left their paper work giving me five days to pay for which they added £401 pounds for their visit plus the ticket of £110 pounds. They showed my partner a letter that says WARRANT OF EXECUTION issued by the traffic enforcement centre Northampton county court. I filled out the appeal template on the council web site and have heared nothing till now. They said they had no email or appeal. What should I do now contact court and explain that I followed procedure and heard nothing, or is this too late & must now pay the bailiffs. Are they allowed to enter. Im not sure were i stand. HELP

Domthemon

Can you give us details of the parking ticket first please?

THORNEY1_2

The ticket was issued in a council park & display carpark. I was parked in a designated bay for loading & unloading plus employees bay has I had a rangerover and delivering jewellery to a shop. I filled out the appeal template on the councils web site for this & they have said they had no records. It has been some time now & i thought this could have been successful until the baillifs turned up. I dont know what to do.

DaveF327

It sounds like the bailiffs are the real deal.. sent by the county court on a warrant of execution (which is as serious as it sounds) issued by virtue of a council action. It seems that a CCJ has been issued, but I'm puzzled as to why you haven't heard of this before now? Even if the council "lost" your details.. why didn't you hear from the court that proceedings were taking place? Where was your summons? Have you changed address recently?

I'd contact the court as a matter of urgency if I were you and apply for a suspension of the warrant on the grounds that you had lodged formal representations with the council but there was a breakdown in communication. You can do that here: http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/HMCSCourtFinder/GetForm.do?court_forms_id=486 This is why everything should be done in writing, ideally by recorded post. Online forms just don't cut it for me; they're just too easy to deny.

You don't have to let a bailiff in if they haven't entered your premises before, although they may try to trick you into letting them in (such as asking to use your phone for example). They are allowed to enter peacefully via unlocked doors and windows, but cannot force entry. Once the bailiff has gained access, then they can touch property to claim it and you cannot refuse them entry later in order to seize it.

Coblcris

I have seen many Bailiff Warrants in these circumstances that were not valid Warrants.
Out of date, not produced by the courts but printed by the bailiffs themselves, quoting non existent or repealed legislation. If you cannot spot these things unaided them either become very familiar with them quickly or contact a good expert adviser on Bailiffs.

Exchange any papers with the bailiff through the letterbox, do not open the door.
It would be advisable to video any such contact from your side of the door. I know of a several cases where lying bailiiffs have lost their licence due to the recording. Not all are dishonest or misrepresent but some do fail those criteria so to protect yourself I strongly advise recording.