Need details of the Care Parking letter chain

Amaranth88

Hi everyone! I know it's my first time posting, but I have to say, I've been lurking for a while and you've all been unknowingly helping me out a lot! Since I got my first PCN a couple of months ago, I've been doing loads of research, especially here. I'm sorry to post such a similar question to others, but this one is very specific and I can't find the answer anywhere. What I want to know is, at what point does the letter chain from Care Parking end? I'm at the point of the first Thomas Higgins letter and I'd like to know how much further it goes on for. I haven't corresponded with them in any way. The trouble is, although I know it's all a scam etc, because the car I drive is legally in my Mum's name, the DVLA gave Care Parking her details so she's getting these letters. She says she believes me that it's ok to ignore them, but she's terrified of it going to court. So does anyone know how much longer it'll be until it ends? And while I'm here, is it at all worth her contacting them to tell them she wasn't driving the car?

peter_the_piper

I assume that this was before Oct 1st as Care Parking (AFAIK) are not now able to get the RK details, officially. When you get to a solicitors letter, the next should be a debt collector letter, then a begging letter offering a discount if you would please, pretty please pay us. After that they usually give up.
Let us know if its after 1st Oct.

Amaranth88

Thank you for replying so quickly! Yes it was before Oct 1st, I think the first PCN was in August. That's fantastic if that's all that's left, it'll be a bit easier than I was expecting.

prosnap

If the first begging letter was in August do you not think they would have taken you to court by now if they intend to?

Private parking companies only exist to fleece the motorist.

Their whole business model is based upon speculative invoicing. If a company gives out 100 tickets, a certain percentage of people will unfortunately fall for it there and then.

The remainder (like you) are sent 'threatograms' from the parking company and powerless debt collection companies. It's a lucrative business and if 60% of people pay up, a healthy profit is there to be had.

You are taking the correct course of action.

Unfortunately, most PPC's are not too bright and may continue to send letters to people whio have not replied to their scams. I find it quite easy to either put them through the shredder or keep them to give my friends and family a laugh.

Amaranth88

Sorry Prosnap, it was the first 'ticket' in August, the first letter was October, but I have no idea of the timescale of these things so I didn't know when it was safe to say it definitely won't go to court.

Coupon-mad

Amaranth88 wrote: »

Hi everyone! I know it's my first time posting, but I have to say, I've been lurking for a while and you've all been unknowingly helping me out a lot! Since I got my first PCN a couple of months ago, I've been doing loads of research, especially here. I'm sorry to post such a similar question to others, but this one is very specific and I can't find the answer anywhere. What I want to know is, at what point does the letter chain from Care Parking end? I'm at the point of the first Thomas Higgins letter and I'd like to know how much further it goes on for. I haven't corresponded with them in any way. The trouble is, although I know it's all a scam etc, because the car I drive is legally in my Mum's name, the DVLA gave Care Parking her details so she's getting these letters. She says she believes me that it's ok to ignore them, but she's terrified of it going to court. So does anyone know how much longer it'll be until it ends? And while I'm here, is it at all worth her contacting them to tell them she wasn't driving the car?

According to the letter chains thread there might only be one Thomas Higgins letter:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2329119

HTH, don't bother to contact them. Just let Crabman the thread starter know if you do get a different last letter.

Amaranth88

Ah somehow I missed that thread! Thank you for the link. I'll be sure to pass it on if something different arrives.

Fergie76

It's good that your mum is staying strong to this scam and hopefully the letter chain will be over soon. However, if at any points she looks like breaking, just get her to write to them, nominating you as driver.

The letters will then come to you and you then continue to ignore. Hopefully, it won't come to that though.

Amaranth88

I was actually starting to believe that it might be over but this morning another letter has arrived and this one has actually got me a little scared. I've tried to scan it but my scanner isn't working so I Googled it and found a similar thread on here with a picture of it which I've just discovered I'm too new to be allowed to post a link to. It's a Thomas Higgins one, a 'Final Notice Before Legal Action' letter and it isn't signed by an actual person. Of course that did lead me to a thread which is similar to this one and has reassured me a little. My Mum has been worried sick all along about this situation but since she's at work and I recognised the letter I've opened it and I'm thinking I just won't tell her it's arrived. This should be at least the second to last one right? Or is there a very real chance that in just over 7 days a court order will show up? I know I'm one of many asking the same questions again and again but it is scary even if you know better and I just need some reassurance if someone can help please.

spacey2012

The time-scale where somebody can take you to court is 29 days.
14 days invoice, 14 days LBA + service.

If they had any confidence they could take people to court they would do so on the 29th day at the very latests as it offers a good opportunity to get the money and ramp up the bill.
Why would they miss an opportunity like this ?.
Because they would lose the case if you turned up.
Most District judges don't even get as far as hearing the defence in cases that go to court as the charges are not provable losses.
In the unlikely event of them winning the secret bullet is to appeal and question their right of audience at the higher court.
Stand back and watch it kick off .
One thing the judiciary will not tolerate even in the slightest is the abuse of the Bar system of judicial representation .
With barristers starting around £700 per hour or part off, the parking company wont chance it.
The only one who did escaped prison by apologising to the court in person for having no right of audience to pursue losses on behalf of a client in higher court.

I would have paid good money and travelled up to Sheffield to see that grovel and apology whilst group 4 wardens stood behind him.

Amaranth88

Thank you for replying so speedily! So just to be clear, is that 29 days from the PCN, the first letter or today's letter?