appeal response not received, now being chased by drp

slen

Not sure if you can help, but I’m wondering what to do with a private parking fine.
The parking co claim that my vehicle was parked without a ticket in the windscreen in a car park. They had some photos on their site which I couldn't see it unless it had slipped into the corner window where something was visible.

My first contact from the parking co was a final demand notice. I raised an appeal that day citing I was not the driver and I still had the ticket in my car from the day in question so sent a pic of it.

I received an email confirming this appeal and heard nothing back from them until months later a letter from their DCA asking for £150, a significant amount more but there was no reference to my appeal.
I advised them of no debt and my grounds for appeal including the fact the parking co had not replied quickly enough. Their response advised the appeal result was sent and quoted some line from the protection of freedoms act (Schedule 4) suggesting that a letter is deemed to be delivered if they’ve sent it even though I did not.
They want me to make payment or they’ll recommend the parking co that they take court action. Therefore I’m not sure what I do and I would appreciate some advice.

Quentin

Read this thread about doing nothing at all when receiving DRP letters :https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5035663

twhitehousescat

you have ommited to name the parking co involved , who was it?

slen

Do parking companies visit these sites as I’d rather not mention them in the circumstances. Like all parking sites suggest, it’s very scaremongering and not a nice situation not knowing what might or might not happen next especially if there’s a 1 in 20 chance of me ending up for 4-500 quid in charges over a ticket that I actually paid for and it appears it wasn’t displayed clearly enough for their liking.
Ok, guess I’ll leave it and see what happens, although nationaldebtline suggests I should make an SAR. Perhaps I shouldn’t have engaged with them however the main site suggested that was a militant approach and not recommended.

Redx

ignore anything EXCEPT an LBC from the parking company themselves (or their legal representatives) , OR if you receive an MCOL in the post from Northampton

and the typical cost if you lost in court is around £175 , so maybe between £10 and £225 for one ticket , not £500

they have 6 years to try a court claim in England and Wales , 5 in Scotland

which IDIOT told you it is a "fine" ?

ignore those fools at DRP, and Zenith too (same par@site company)

its a pcn , Parking Charge Notice, which is an INVOICE , nothing more

Fruitcake

It is not a fine.

We can't help you if you don't tell us who the parking company is. There is a different approach depending on the company involved and which trade association they belong to.

Yes they do read these fora, so what you do is only refer to The Driver or The Keeper and never say things about who parked. No me, myself, or I, and never my brother/sister/wife/husband either, nor, here is my receipt if you want to prove an occupant of the vehicle was a genuine customer of a shop.

slen

OK. Thanks for the posts. its u k park cont, So yeah Zenith have been in touch with their 14day cut price option. What should I do? Do you know what letters to expect next?
I prob made a mistake by putting in an appeal in the first place but having not received a response I thought it reasonable to assume they'd closed it until debt collector letters started to arrive. So if the ticket wasn't in the windscreen (although I still have it) am I liable and should I just pay the money and end the letters cos I dont really want it to end up in court. That said if it did end up in court would I likely be liable?

Really appreciate your help.

Redx

nobody can tell you the odds on winning or losing in court

ignore any letters except an LBC or an MCOL , doesnt matter what else comes, only those two

the PPC (not the DCA) have 6 years to issue a court case using MCOL

slen

Everyone says to not pay, why not?? (obviously I wouldnt be on here if I felt it was fair but) should we just cut our losses? 6 years sounds like a long time to having something like this hanging over you! I feel aggrieved that we paid to park there in the first instance but if the ticket fell down and we happen to end up being liable I'm just concerned how much we'll end up paying.

Coupon-mad

Do you know what letters to expect next?

Yes, all posters here have seen them posted umpteen times and so can you (Google 'Zenith parking letter' and click 'images' if you want top see them).

slen wrote: »

Everyone says to not pay, why not?? (obviously I wouldnt be on here if I felt it was fair but) should we just cut our losses? 6 years sounds like a long time to having something like this hanging over you! I feel aggrieved that we paid to park there in the first instance but if the ticket fell down and we happen to end up being liable I'm just concerned how much we'll end up paying.

1. Because we almost never see one lost when well defended/prepared on this forum. Depends on the PPC but 99% won.

2. Because paying them supports the scam and sponsors them, funds the next ones against a little old lady, etc.

3. Because even if a person loses in court they would pay about £175 all told which includes court fees. No huge sums.

4. Because this is MSE and we do not pay a scam.

5. Because the industry is rotten to the core and should be banned from operating in this way altogether.

6. Because paying them for a 'quiet life' is reprehensible for any poster who has read the forum & knows the score.

7. Because 6 years is not special to parking firms - anyone could sue you within 6 years in UK law; does that stop you living?