Letter before claim - Gladstone Solicitors

Quizzical01

I wonder if anyone can help me please? I have today received a letter before claim from a solicitors for a parking ticket I didn't pay over a year ago. I didn't appeal, think it was more of a case of "I will get round to it" and then hit financial difficulties.

I have done some research and it seems you do have to act on a letter before claim but there are some ways to appeal the letter. The thing is, I need some advice on the best course of action. I can't afford to pay the amount in one go due to the continuing financial difficulties, so am I within my rights to offer a payment plan as a solution or ask for one? Does it really mean they will take me to court next if I don't respond?

***just realised the header is spelt wrong and I don't know how to edit, driving me mad***

Fruitcake

To edit, click on the Edit button underneath your post. To edit the title, click on Edit, then click on the Go advanced button

For the rest, have you read the sticky thread for NEWBIES yet? Post 2 of the NEWBIES tells you how to deal with court with a pictorial step by step guide from responding to a LoC/LoC through completing the AoS online, (but put absolutely nothing in the Defence box, not even a full stop) right up to the court appearance itself.

Coupon-mad

I can't afford to pay the amount in one go

Good, you are unlikely to be paying anything because we win 99% of defended claims. Yes they will start a court claim, but YES this is where these are winnable! No risk of huge costs, no CCJ, nothing bad.

am I within my rights to offer a payment plan as a solution or ask for one?

Don't be daft. Not an option on this forum, don't even go there. Forget it, stop thinking you have to pay.

Just reply to the LBC asking for all evidence the parking firm rely on, tell them 'this is a subject access request'.

beamerguy

Quizzical01 ..... listen to Coupon-mad, she eats these scammers before breakfast ..... trust her

You have a letter from the most incompetent solicitor in the UK so read and act on the info to follow

Quizzical01

Thank you so much for your help! I will definitely be doing this

The_Deep

Why are you thinking of paying? These people, especially Gladstones, are out to scam you. How much are they asking for?

Watch the video below

This is an entirely unregulated industry which is scamming the public with inflated claims for minor breaches of contracts for alleged parking offences, aided and abetted by a handful of low-rent solicitors.

Parking Eye, CPM, Smart, and another company have already been named and shamed in the house as have Gladstones Solicitors, and BW Legal, (these two law firms take hundreds of these cases to court each week, hospital car parks and residential complex tickets have been especially mentioned. They lose most of them, and have been reported to the regulatory authority by an
M.P. for unprofessional conduct

The problem has become so widespread that MPs have agreed to enact a Bill to regulate these scammers. Watch the video of the Second Reading in the House of Commons recently

http://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/2f0384f2-eba5-4fff-ab07-cf24b6a22918?in=12:49:41

and complain in the most robust terms to your MP. With a fair wind they will be out of business by Christmas.

Quizzical01

I was thinking of paying but it was a one off area I visited and I am terrified I will end up with a CCJ. To be honest I don't remember seeing any signs when I parked and it wasn't until I saw the ticket that I noticed them. I haven't any evidnce to support what I think would be a claim I would win in court. I have looked through the newbie thread and I don't know if I am being thick but I don't know what to do first ��

Quentin

The newbies FAQ thread tells you exactly what to do.

Concentrate on #2 there

That post covers Court claims right through from the lbcca to the hearing.

Coupon-mad

I was thinking of paying

Not now you are here...

I am terrified I will end up with a CCJ.

that doesn't happen even if you lost at a hearing then paid the sum the Judge said, which would be less than the sum on Gladstones letter right now.