In dispute with INDIGO - what happens next?

SILENTMILLS

Hello helpers!

I was issued a ticket at Hassocks train station about 2 months ago - i had paid for a day's parking using their new app, misunderstood the app and ended up paying for a full day's parking at 5 minutes to midnight, intending it to be for the next day). So yes i was failure to display, but only because i bought the ticket 5 minutes too early.

i genuinely thought they would cancel the fine when i showed them what had happened! They didn't.

They replied that my appeal had been unsuccessful, but they seem to have misunderstood what i had done. Since then we have had some back and forth with me trying to find out what the next steps are for complaint. I asked for a POPLA number about 9 days ago and today had an email saying that's not possible, but with no further information, so i have replied asking what the next steps are for independent appeals process. I have also said I will write a letter of complaint to their head office and to Southern Rail, who own the land, since they have not addressed the basis of my appeal. I know they won't care.

Currently this correspondence has been done on email and they do not have my address.

In order for them to collect the 'fine' from me, do they have to write to me at my address?

What happens if I simply don't pay?

Could a debt collector just turn up at my house, or do Indigo have to write to me first asking for payment?

I understand that if I am to be taken to court it would need to be by the TOC rather than Indigo and that they have 6 months to do so - does that 6 months start on the date of the ticket or date of appeal being declined?

I have asked Indigo to tell me what I can do next - but I'm asking you guys to tell me what THEY can do next!!!!

I don't really understand how they could pass it over to debt collector without and independent dispute process first - is that even legal? From reading the threads on here It seems there is absolutely no protection for paying customers in these incidences.

ALL ADVICE GRATEFULLY RECEIVED SO I CAN BE PREPARED!

waamo

but I'm asking you guys to tell me what THEY can do next!!!!

Not a lot is the short answer. Debt collectors cannot turn up at your door without a court order.

Indigo seem to send scary letters but not much else. As you have discovered this is a byelaws issue not a contract issue. That means they have to start proceedings within 6 months of the offence occuring. So far we haven't heard of it happening. That doesn't mean it won't just it is unlikely.

I would try and play mail ping pong with them for 6 months. Take time replying to any mail and every time they send something reply and question it. Make them have to reply.