APCOA passed to credit collector

Littlej

Hi, in October I received an APCOA fine in the post for something at Birmingham airport in September.

We had paid 2 hours in the garage, had to pull over at a nearby airport hotel to adjust a bag in the back, and then carried on. They had a photo of us in the hotel spot.

I’ve appealed and was declined and further corresponded with them asking if they’ve checked cctv to see we didn’t avoid paying for parking but they are ignoring me. I’ve gotten another notice now the fee has been passed to a collection agency. Should I continue contesting this, will it still be dropped after 6 months?

Might be worth noting I have since relocated to America and the notice went to my mother in laws house in England.

Umkomaas

I’ve gotten another notice now the fee has been passed to a collection agency.

Even more reason to ignore everything on this as there's nothing a debt collector can do. They're hardly likely, even if the could (which they can't), come knocking on your door at silly o'clock in the morning in downtown wherever in the USA!

Might be worth noting I have since relocated to America

Write to them, with some proof of your new address (utility bill), that here is your new address to which all future correspondence must be addressed. Any failure to adhere to this requirement will result in a formal complaint to both the BPA and DVLA.

Littlej

Ok cool I’ve advised of our new address. My only worry is when we come back to visit in 1+ year would there be any warrant for arrest or something?? Or would they just drop it

Umkomaas

Littlej wrote: »

Ok cool I’ve advised of our new address. My only worry is when we come back to visit in 1+ year would there be any warrant for arrest or something?? Or would they just drop it

Actually, they shackle you and ship you off to the colonies. They give you a few minutes to say goodbye to your loved ones. 30 years and it's all over, you can get back to your old routine then.

Don't be daft, it's a civil issue. You'll hear nothing about it when you get back to Blighty!

Fruitcake

Littlej wrote: »

Ok cool I’ve advised of our new address. My only worry is when we come back to visit in 1+ year would there be any warrant for arrest or something?? Or would they just drop it

It's much worse than that. They will transport you to a country where Donald Trump is the president. :eek::eek::eek:

Seriously, you have nothing to worry about. Your above scenario is pure fantasy and fiction.

Redx

there is more chance of the ELON MUSK tesla car landing on MARS and gettting an APCOA parking ticket than you having a problem with this matter

onlyfoolsandparking

Umkomaas wrote: »

Even more reason to ignore everything on this as there's nothing a debt collector can do. They're hardly likely, even if the could (which they can't), come knocking on your door at silly o'clock in the morning in downtown wherever in the USA!


Write to them, with some proof of your new address (utility bill), that here is your new address to which all future correspondence must be addressed. Any failure to adhere to this requirement will result in a formal complaint to both the BPA and DVLA.

But playing Devils Advocate here could they come knocking at mother in laws door further down the timeline IF?? they (underhandedly of course) gain a CCJ against the OP and then attempt to collect on the judgement with the 'Cant pay we'll take it away' mob or worse the high court Sheriffs.


I know the OP telling them their new address for service should suffice but we all know how the scammers operate, just a thought.


PS, don't slate me if I'm completely wrong you know how delicate I am:D

fisherjim

onlyfoolsandparking wrote: »

But playing Devils Advocate here could they come knocking at mother in laws door further down the timeline IF?? they (underhandedly of course) gain a CCJ against the OP and then attempt to collect on the judgement with the 'Cant pay we'll take it away' mob or worse the high court Sheriffs.


I know the OP telling them their new address for service should suffice but we all know how the scammers operate, just a thought.


PS, don't slate me if I'm completely wrong you know how delicate I am:D

They won't get a CCJ at Birmingham Airport which comes under Bye Laws, APCOA can't take it to court and it will time out in a couple of months.

The_Deep

Should I continue contesting this, will it still be dropped after 6 months?

If the hotel car park is on land covered by bye-laws it will go away in six months.

Should you continue to contest it, up to you, I would. I would also give them more aggro by involving my MP as it is the will of Parliament that these scammers be put out of business.

Hopefully that will take place in the near future. The Bill has passed through the HOC without hitch, and goes to the Lords soon. In the meantime involve your MP, the poor dears are buckling under the weight of complaints about these scammers.

This is an entirely unregulated industry which is scamming the public with inflated claims for minor breaches of alleged contracts for alleged parking offences, aided and abetted by a handful of low-rent solicitors. Is has been suggested by an MP that some of these companies may have connections to organised crime.

Parking Eye, CPM, Smart, (especially Smart}, and others have already been named and shamed in the House of Commons 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 at least one M.P. for unprofessional conduct

The problem has become so widespread that MPs have agreed to enact a Bill to regulate these scammers.

Sir Greg Knight's Private Members Bill to curb the excesses, and perhaps close down, some of these companies passed its Third Reading in late November, and, with a fair wind, will become Law next year.

All three readings are available to watch on the internet, (some 6-7 hours), and published in Hansard. MPs have an extremely low opinion of the industry. Many are complaining that they are becoming overwhelmed by complaints from members of the public. Add to their burden, complain in the most robust terms about the scammers.

Umkomaas

But playing Devils Advocate here could they come knocking at mother in laws door further down the timeline IF?? they (underhandedly of course) gain a CCJ against the OP and then attempt to collect on the judgement

Who, APCOA? :rotfl:

or worse the high court Sheriffs

It would have to over £600 worth to involve a High Court enforcement.

The OP is definitely more likely to be dragged off to the colonies than any scenario the devil could advocate!

onlyfoolsandparking

Umkomaas wrote: »

Who, APCOA? :rotfl:

It would have to over £600 worth to involve a High Court enforcement.

The OP is definitely more likely to be dragged off to the colonies than any scenario the devil could advocate!

I realised I had F****d up when I re-read and saw AIRPORT!!! :eek::eek::eek:


Still at least I gave everyone a laugh:D