'Formal letter of claim' received from solicitor re unpaid CE Ltd PCN January 2016

Caroline_83_2

Hi

I have read through so many postings on different websites and am rather confused as to what I should do.

I work for the NHS and am on call for emergencies overnight. I cover three large hospitals, eight police stations and could be called to anywhere in the community for an urgent assessment when I am on duty. I received a PCN from Civil Enforcement Ltd at midnight on 26/01/2016 for parking event 'authorised vehicles only' in hospital grounds. I had a sign displayed in my car stating who I was and that I was on call. Given how busy I am on call I need to be within easy distance of my car. I also don't feel safe walking around the hospital site by myself when it's dark. I have in the past asked for security to walk me from my car but have been told that will never happen.

I ignored the PCN when I got it, as all my collegues were doing the same. None of us have ever heard anything after receiving a 'notice to keeper' letter but I have now received a 'formal letter of claim' from Wright Hassall solicitors. This follows several letters from ZZPS debt collectors. The solicitor's letter states they 'may be left with no alternative but to issue County Court proceedings seeking a money Judgement Order' etc etc. I know this may never happen but it's quite stressful not knowing if they will proceed with this action or not! Is there anything I can do at this stage to appeal? I really don't feel I should have to pay as no adequate provision is made for me at work in terms of safe and close parking.

Any help with this would be greatly appreciated!

Caroline

Umkomaas

What did the hospital say when you lodged a very strong complaint with them?

Caroline_83_2

I haven't actually done that...

Caroline_83_2

I can't believe I didn't think to check before, but it turns out I wasn't actually working that night, so I had no reason to be at the hospital. Is it too late to ask for evidence and appeal that way?

Herzlos

Of course. Don't tell them you're normally there, just say that the vehicle was not there and ask them for evidence.

Also complain to the hospital.

Caroline_83_2

Should I write to Civil Enforcement Ltd or the solicitors or both?

Herzlos

Solicitors at this point. Keep proof of postage for anything you send; you're dealing with the absolute bottom end of the spectrum.

The_Deep

Does a spectrum actually have a bottom end.

Not trying to offend here, just curious.

Herzlos

Maybe not the correct term, but spectrums don't have to be infinite. Take the visible light spectrum (restricted at both ends) or the EM spectrum (restricted at the lowest end - waves can only become so small).

My point, for the avoidance of doubt, is that Wright Hassal are about as incompetent a solicitors firm you can find whilst still being technically a solicitors. So don't set your expectations very high when dealing with them; if they were any good they wouldn't be touching Civil Enforcement jobs with a barge pole.

The_Deep

Do not take this solicitor's letter too seriously. As H say above, these low rent firms are the Del Boys of the profession. A professional unfortunately that has more than its fair share of chancers.

All that really matters is what happens in court. Who do you think a judge is most likely to believe, a highly trained medical professional, or an ex clamper?

If they are daft enough to take you to court. make them pay through the nose fot their hubris.

yotmon

Just to advise, re-check your duty roster to make sure that the date given wasn't the 'after-midnight' date as opposed to your 'duty' date. Easily done when working night shifts.