CP Plus - again - and a cloned plate ... ?

Captain_Starlight

Hi, All
Please forgive me if I'm repeating anything, but the forums are so complex and though I've tried to find an answer to the question I can't.

Received a letter today from CP Plus, claiming that OH exceeded the free parking time in our motorhome at MOTO Services in Stirling. Two points: 1) we were both at home and nowhere near Stirling (which is about 250 miles north of us and 2) the rubbish photos included on the letter show a motorhome which is nothing like ours. The number plate has been magnified in a little box beneath the two photos and it is the plate registered to our motorhome. Hence our concern that we've been cloned. And ... the apparent photo of the rear number plate should have a yellow background, but it's showing as white.

Help, please! First thoughts were that this is simply a scam to get money off us (£60 if we pay by the 19th of Feb, £100 within 28 days or £140 if we exceed 28 days). We've reported the possible cloning to the Police, but do we need to contact CP Plus?

Thank you all!

Redx

send the template letter , removing the "rant" part , plus also advise them of the possible cloning issue and give them the crime ref number and police contact details

the photos are supposed to look like that , they are ANPR photos, not CCTV and not like holiday pics either

if you are in scotland, there is no keeper liability anyway

Captain_Starlight

Thanks for the reply, Redx. I've found the template, but since the alleged breach of parking regs happened in Scotland, and CP Plus are based in Hertfordshire (we're in Manchester) which legislation covers this issue?

Redx

if the RK is in england then I would assume POFA 2012 applies, as would the MCOL system

I suggest you do as I said , sending the template and the cloning proof etc and demanding it be cancelled

Castle

POFA2012 only applies to land in England and Wales. So on Scottish land only the driver is potentially liable.

Captain_Starlight

Thanks, Castle! The issue here, though, is that our motorhome was safely tucked away under cover on 29 Jan, and the photographs in CP Plus' letter are of a much older MH which looks nothing like ours. We'll get on to DVLA on Monday.

hoohoo

Just appeal on the basis the plates were cloned, and send in a picture of your motorhome to illustrate the difference.

If they are stupid enough to reject, go to POPLA with help from us.

You need to tell the DVLA in case you start getting speeding tickets, etc, but it sounds like you are doing this anyway.

The_Slithy_Tove

hoohoo wrote: »

If they are stupid enough to reject, go to POPLA with help from us.

They may not even offer POPLA, as the incident was in Scotland.

Captain_Starlight

Thank you to everyone ... it's really appreciated, having never had to deal with this before.
I phoned the Edinburgh Police this evening (they cover Stirling and a huge slice of Scotland) but, having listened to my complaint, told me that they would 'take no action' and refused to take details of the cloned plate. So reassuring. Not.
it seems to me that (especially in light of the Scottish police being completely disinterested) we fall between two stools. The 'incident' was in Scotland, yes, but the vehicle the plate relates to is registered in England. What's really scaring us is the question why someone should clone plates in the first place. It can't be simply to park up in service areas without paying, can it?

ampersand

Disappointing 1st response from PC Plod, but let's accept they have a lot on their plates various.

If you don't want to ring them again, climbing the command ladder, write, as you have here, with timeline+detail. Use firm courtesy for a no-ducking request for a substantive reply, plus free Certificate of Posting.

Captain_Starlight

So many options, just want it sorted. Luckily GMP took it seriously and took the info in depth, but does it mean we'll get stopped countless times when we take our MH out on the road?
We'll be phoning DVLA on Monday - do they charge for changing registration plates, does anyone know?
You've all been so kind ... thank you, and please keep the advice coming; I/we have never had to deal with this kind of thing before now so we're very grateful
:smileyhea:

ps: Je suis aussi Charie!