Letter Before Claim (SAR response received)

Awakeatnight

Last few days. Sorry would rather not say exactly day in case they're watching. Less than 5.

Awakeatnight

And yes, the Northampton Business Centre County Court.

Umkomaas

Awakeatnight wrote: »

Last few days. Sorry would rather not say exactly day in case they're watching. Less than 5.

I'm not surprised at the username you've adopted! KeithP is asking for a specific reason to give you precise advice on the way forward in dealing with your claim.

Regulars wouldn't ask for any information that would deliberately expose anyone. You can play your own secretive game, or benefit from the best advice from the forum, it's not always possible for both.

KeithP

Awakeatnight wrote: »

Last few days. Sorry would rather not say exactly day in case they're watching. Less than 5.

Haha. How many claims do you think they issue every day?

I was about to post some information you might've found useful, but anyway, good luck.

Awakeatnight

OK thanks. I don't know how many claims they issue each day. I didn't mean to be rude just being cautious as I've not done this before. Have I blown it and you're not going to give me advice. I tried to inbox a couple of you but it said your mailboxes were too full.

KeithP

Most regulars here won't accept PMs.

You benefit from the advice being given on an open forum. If you get poor advice others will see and correct it.

Not possible with PMs.

Still... I won't be awake at night.

Awakeatnight

OK thanks well issue date was 25 Jan

Jetslick

Awakeatnight wrote: »

Hi bargepole,
I wonder if you can help. I've received a County Court claim form stating that I parked my car in a car park over eight months ago. It is claiming for £165.46 of which £100 is the original fine. I parked in the dark, contravention took place quite late at night. I was seeing a film. It's a very rough car park with no marked bays. The cinema which I was visiting has an ipad in the foyer in which you're supposed to put your registration into but I must have either forgotten to do it that evening or it didn't work properly, which is unusual as I always do this. I've done the SAR and they've sent me pictures of the car. Any advice please,. Thanks in advance.
Thanks

Have you attempted to contact the landowner for the car park in question? They have the power to get it waived. My case was somewhat similar, where I parked to go cinema in the evening but had unknowingly parked on private property owned by a retail store but car park operated by Britannia Parking. They had obscure entrance signs and broken lighting. I did this twice in a week (not knowing there was a contravention) so had 2 PCN's. Both waived by head office of the retail store. Anyway, if you haven't given that a shot definitely do so, as mine got waived this month when I was at the same stage as you. Else, you'll definitely be fighting this in court. KeithP would've given you a breakdown of actions of what to do and when.

KeithP

Awakeatnight wrote: »

...issue date was 25 Jan

With a Claim Issue Date of 24th January, you have until Wednesday 13th Febuary to do the Acknowledgement of Service, but there is nothing to be gained by delaying it. To do the AoS, follow the guidance offered in a Dropbox link from post #2 of the NEWBIES FAQ sticky thread.

Having done the AoS, you have until 4pm on Wednesday 27th February 2019 to file your Defence.

That's a whole month away. Loads of time to produce a perfect Defence, but don't leave it to the very last minute.


When you are happy with the content, your Defence should be filed via email as suggested here:

Print your Defence.
1. Sign it and date it.
   
2. Scan the signed document back in and save it as a pdf.
   
3. Send that pdf as an email attachment to CCBCAQ@Justice.gov.uk
   
4. Just put the claim number and the word Defence in the email title, and in the body of the email something like 'Please find my Defence attached'.
   
5. Log into MCOL after a few days to see if the Claim is marked "defended". If not chase the CCBC until it is.
   
6. Do not be surprised to receive a copy of the Claimant's Directions Questionnaire, they are just trying to put you under pressure.
   
7. Wait for your DQ from the CCBC, or download one from the internet, and then re-read post #2 of the NEWBIES FAQ sticky thread to find out exactly what to do with it.

Awakeatnight

No, I had assumed it was too late but I will give it a try. It's really a terrible car park with more potholes than spaces and maybe their ipad thing wasn't working properly that night. Thanks