Refund from Debt Collection Agency - Unknown Bus Lan Fine

leebow55

Hello,sorry first time poster.

I had an out of blue phone call from mobile last week, it was a Debt Collection Agency named 'Collect Services'. Basically he was following up for payment for 2x unknown Bus Lane fines at the end of 2016. I had NO correspondence from Reading Borough Council and I know the reason for this I because after I had purchased my car earlier that year I never received the V5. I was initially able to tax the vehicle with the buyers slip and didn't think of the logbook until the following year when tax had expired and I needed to retax.

The DCA gave few details, but highlighted Court Cases and then being passed to them. He mentioned that we went to my old address and obviously I was not there. I know the current owners and they have confirmed that they did not receive the numerous letters that would have been the original fines. At the time of the Fine the car was still registered to the previous owner (they sold the car to a trader via auction) I am unsure how or why he went to that address, as it was never on the V5? When I submitted for the V5 I used my current address. Due to balliff visits and the overwhelming details they had on me, in pure blind panic I paid the requested amount (£581)

After the event I got an email with a photo picture of a hand written receipt. I have since got the Bus Lane reference numbers from Reading Borough Council.

Is there anything that I can do now, after the event?

Umkomaas

This isn't the forum to help on either council tickets or bailiff issues. So you need to do the following.

Council Tickets

As we tend to major on private parking tickets here, PePiPoo will be your best bet for council tickets. Register there (but please note that a hotmail address won't work) and post a new thread; here's your link:

http://forums.pepipoo.com/index.php?act=SF&s=&f=30

Have a read through some of the other threads there before you post your own to get the hang of what information they need from you in your opening post - but as a minimum you will need to post redacted photos/scans of all correspondence you've received from the council (both sides, if appropriate) as they need to see all the small print.

Bailiff Issues

You will be best served in dealing with bailiffs by making contact with 'Bailiff Advice Online', who provides this excellent service, has an extremely good reputation for assisting people with bailiff issues.

(Text removed by MSE Forum Team)

Calls and the email enquiry service are free.

Here's your link:

http://bailiffadviceonline.co.uk

(Text removed by MSE Forum Team)

HTH

leebow55

Thank you for response. Sorry this was first place to think of after advising on PCN's.

I had zero correspondence at all, so nothing to submit just a single phone call and instant panic. will follow suggestions

Marktheshark

Payment is admission of guilt.
The case is closed and over.

Coupon-mad

There is a remedy available to you and that is to submit an Out of Witness Statement to the Traffic Enforcement Centre. It makes no difference that you paid the debt (that is why the application is called 'Out of Time'....ie; late).

The following page outlines what Out of Time witness statements are. Please do not rush to submit an application without first obtaining the information from Reading Borough Council. Once you have done so, please post back.

That's very interesting, Herbie21. I didn't know that.

The OP should follow your advice.

leebow55

Hello, apologies for delay in reply. I needed to do more investigations for more and also went on holiday. I have since confirmed that the Bus Lane PCNs were issued to a car registered to me (not previous owner as first thought), and that the V5 had an out of date address. Hence no NTKs or other correspondence.

I am willing to complete the OOT form if suitable.

So to confirm some details in a summary timeline

August 2015 - Purchased car. Registered at Address A
Sept 2015 - Moved House to Address B. I did not update logbook
Sept 2016 - Bus Lane PCN sent to Address A
Oct 2016 - Bus Lane PCN sent to Address A
April 2017 - Sold car
Sept 2017 - Collect Services phone me demanding the money for the 2 above PCNs. Panicked as would have paid Council PCNs immediately if aware and paid the £560 fine.

I have confirmed with the council that NTKs where sent to Address A. However the helpdesk have no information other than my Vehicle Details, registered owner details, PCN number etc and status of PCN. If there is a tiny possibility of a case using the OOT form I am more than willing to complete and gather as much detail in writing/email from TEC/Council/receipts of house move/car purchase

Coupon-mad

If there is a tiny possibility of a case using the OOT form I am more than willing to complete and gather as much detail in writing/email from TEC/Council/receipts of house move/car purchase

Yes, there is a case. Herbie21 may be back to see this update.