OPC - 4 Years Ago Unpaid Private Parking Charge

dragonchi

I've read the forum and the other thread regarding a similar issue, but I don't understand what to do, maybe because of my learning disabilities and not understanding the terminology. Could someone explain to me in simple terms how I can appeal a letter I have received from OPC regarding an unpaid private parking charge from over 4 years ago? I obviously have no memory of this, I don't know if it was me or my ex partner at the time that was driving as that was his address, but I have also not received any previous communication, so I'm confused as to the letter stating it's too late to pay at a discounted rate, this is the letter in full, excluding my personal details:

OPC
PO Box 956
St. Albans AL1 9HL
Without prejudice

23rd March 2018

*Title/First Name/Surname*
*First line of address*
*Town*
*Postcode*

PPC/Ticket Number: *number*
Date and time of issue: 22/02/2014 08:38
Vehicle: *reg/make/model*
Location *road/town/county*
Reason for issue: Vehicle parked on double/single yellow lines

Dear *title/surname*

UNPAID PRIVATE PARKING CHARGE (Photographic evidence held)

On 22/02/2014 a private parking charge was issued against the above vehicle at *location*. The driver of the vehicle has an obligation to pay for this charge. Please be aware that you are now in default of this legal obligation.

Please note that this letter serves as formal notice to the unpaid parking charge ref *number*.

You are hereby given notice that:

1
The Restricted Area is a controlled parking zone at which there are clearly displayed signs indicating:
a) the terms of which a vehicle may enter and/or remain in the area; and
b) the circumstances in which a parking charge will be made.
2
By entering and/or remaining in the Restricted Area, you agreed to be bound by the displayed terms.
3
A private parking charge was issued on 22/02/2014
4
The parking charge has not been paid and it is too late to pay the discounted rate we offered to be paid within the first 14 days of issue.
5
The driver (see point 8) is now liable to pay the full private parking charge detailed above.
6
Payment may be made via:
a) Cheque or postal order to OPC at PO Box 956, St Albans, AL1 9HJ
b) Credit/debit card:
i. By completing and returning the enclosed form to OPC at PO Box 956, St Albans, AL1 9HJ
ii. Making payment via telephone on 08442 640 712
7
If full payment of £100.00 is not received within 28 days we will have no alternative but to instruct our solicitors for them to issue proceedings in order to recover the debt. This will result in in additional costs and charges to be added to the initial debt that may include interest, court fees and administration charges.
8
If you are a vehicle-hire firm and the vehicle was hired out at the time the parking took place, please also let us know and provide us with a copy of the hire agreement and a copy of statement of liability signed by the hirer under that hire agreement. Please note that we may have a right to recover unpaid parking charges from you.

Yours sincerely,

OPC

Redx

it is far too late to appeal a parking charge issued several years ago

you want a simple answer ?

IGNORE

come back if you receive a formal LBC in the post , written as per the new rules for an LBC

and/or

come back if you receive an MCOL from Northampton CCBC (a civil court claim)

you can IGNORE the begging letters but NOT an LBC or an MCOL

however, if 6 years passes, there is nothing they can do , so work out 6 years from the incident date and put a note on your calendar, so in 2 years time

ps:- if the driver has not been disclosed, keep it that way

if they failed a law called POFA2012, then the keeper is not liable , so if you are or were the keeper and have no idea who was driving, they cannot win against a keeper and have no idea who was driving, same as you have no idea either

dragonchi

I've just read about POFA2012, thanks for your advice on this.
I know I've had no notice of this previously. I assume they will have to prove that they have tried to notify me previously, provide evidence and photo of the signage and also prove who was driving since I myself don't even know?

Redx

yes, especially if they failed POFA2012

Coupon-mad

They wouldn't have to prove who was driving, if the PPC had issued a compliant NTK in time.

But this is OPC, no chance IMHO:

https://www.expressandstar.com/news/2011/03/31/26000-fine-for-parking-firm/

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/9179438/DVLA-sells-details-to-convicted-criminal.html

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/observices_parking_consultancy_o

Come back if they try a small claim...you are very, very likely to win if so, with forum help.

dragonchi

Would it work against me if I responded asking for evidence and stating that I do not know who was driving at the time? The letter says they have photo evidence, but there is no photo with the letter.

KeithP

Then ask them for the photo evidence.
You could even suggest that their photos may even help you identify the driver.

Coupon-mad

dragonchi wrote: »

Would it work against me if I responded asking for evidence and stating that I do not know who was driving at the time? The letter says they have photo evidence, but there is no photo with the letter.

How do you think anything will work against you, after reading those links?!

You are giving OPC far too much respect, but yes, you could do this:

Then ask them for the photo evidence.
You could even suggest that their photos may even help you identify the driver.

dragonchi

Thanks for everyone's advice, it's reassured me somewhat. I'll let you know if I get any more letters.

beamerguy

It's just old Harris still trying to recover HIS £26,000 FINE

Witholding pictures, all sounds very dodgy and he is scraping
the barrel after 4 years.

As said, ignore the letter and I wonder which solicitor would
touch him knowing his history ? Off the cuff, I can think
of 3 dodgy legals that might and that is where stupidity
takes over.

The BPA in their normal stupidity are to blame for allowing
this known rogue to continue

Just wait now

Umkomaas

OPC was not a member of the BPA for a period of time. Email the BPA and ask what the period was when they had no membership.

If your parking event date is during that period of non-membership and you didn't appeal at the time, providing your name and address in the process, you need to write to the DVLA and ask who accessed your details and when (give a span of dates sufficient to cover a week before your parking event, right up to the date you received this latest letter from OPC.

Once a dodgy, always a dodgy!