Please Help (PCN) this has gone on far too long

Coupon-mad

It appears the client has changed from VCS to Excel. Are they one and the same?

Does that change any of the opinions given above?

Nope, it was something I already pointed out to you above, as we've had loads of threads like this. That's definitely close or at the end of the letter chain of junk. Excel are a different firm and clearly you owe NOTHING to Excel. They are both owned by horsey Simon Renshaw-Smith who is not someone who needs your money (Google his name and the words 'Captain Clampit' and you'll find reports with his grinning mugshot).

Also read this thread and advice already given (one of DOZENS like your thread but I recalled some of it so went & found it for you to help put your mind at rest):

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4845375

And as for small claims, under the POFA 2012 the most that a PPC can recover from a keeper, as the basic claim, would be the amount of the 'PCN' which might have been around £90-£100 (you may be able to recall). Making a claim against the driver would have no such restriction, as they would not have to invoke POFA 2012, so would be likely to be a bit higher to start with, before fees (another reason not to name the driver then!). On top of that basic claim amount, IF they actually won at a hearing against either driver or keeper, would be the court fees of maybe £50 (& maybe minimal travel expenses for one person attending). Hence why I said 'around £146' if your partner actually lost (even ParkingEye only get £190-£200 for the cases they win and they make a loss every time). Can't see it happening with you and this VCS charge personally - I can't recall the last one VCS won.

There are a few claims that VCS and Excel lost in 2012 and 2013 in the 'Newbies FAQs, please read this first!' sticky thread, under the 'Small claims' heading.