Parking ticket on uni campus now with Debt collectors

KeithP

https://imgur.com/fHKnmen

A debt collectors letter.

Post #4 of the NEWBIES thread offers comprehensive guidance on how to deal with that.

But you already know that, Le_Kirk gave you a link to that post yesterday.

Rehood

Thanks for the replies everyone.
Having read through the Debt collectors page from what I understand my possible actions are:
1. Send a letter to First parking
2. Send a letter to the debt collectors refusing to pay
3. Write to the MP to complain of the excessive charge.

The letter to First could look like this: (found on another thread)

Dear Sir

Ref : ***

I note the contents of your letter and your request that I deal with National debt collections LTD

For your information, I have already contacted them and denied the existence of any debt
They have been told to refer the matter back to you and not contact me again

I will not respond to any communication from them again

There is nothing whatsoever to prevent your company from considering a challenge at any stage
Refusing access to your industry's alternative dispute resolution procedure would be unreasonable and a breach of the Civil Procedure Rules

It is well-established case law that, in the event of legal action, your company would be liable for the full costs of the claim regardless of outcome

As far as I am concerned, I have made a valid challenge (date) and the clock is running
If I do not receive a clear rejection along with a POPLA code within 35 days of the above date, I will regard the challenge as accepted and the matter closed

If National Debt collections LTD are now dealing with the notice I suggest that you pass my challenge on and alert them to its urgency

Yours faithfully[/I]



Would this be appropriate?

KeithP

Rehood wrote: »

Having read through the Debt collectors page from what I understand my possible actions are:
1. Send a letter to First parking
2. Send a letter to the debt collectors refusing to pay
3. Write to the MP to complain of the excessive charge.

You missed the fourth option

From post #4 of the NEWBIES:

To be clear - I recommend ignoring debt collectors, as the response leads nowhere - certainly NEVER ring them!

Rehood

Hi Keith

I did see that point also, but have read some conflicting information. Perhaps you could clarify.

By ignoring the debt collection letter they would eventually suggest to First Parking that they take me to small claims court?

KeithP

Rehood wrote: »

By ignoring the debt collection letter they would eventually suggest to First Parking that they take me to small claims court?

Possibly.

What difference do you think it will make writing a letter?
Do you think they will even read it?
Only if it contains a cheque will it be of interest to anybody.

Do whatever you feel comfortable with, but of course do not ring anybody.

The risk of writing letters is that you inadvertently give the PPC some ammunition to shoot you with.

Coupon-mad

Debt collectors DO NOT tell clients to litigate, and they have lied when they say they 'have a statutory obligation to notify you of INTENDED LITIGATION'.

Load of rubbish, they have no such statutory obligation or power. Ignore them.

As you are at the Uni of Sussex and that's my area, if F1rst try a small claim (rare for them) I will assist you and (if you like) attend the hearing with you, if I am free.

Sit tight, do nothing at all, no showing yourself as a victim. Don't write that letter to F1rst Parking. Keep all letters though and the PCN, in case.

And last thing - if you move house within 6 years from the address they are using, write or email to tell F1rst your address for service to make sure you never get caught out by missing court papers (not scary, but you need to see them and deal with them in time).

Rehood

How can they get away with lying?! Doesn't seem right, guess its just business for them.

Oh wow that would be amazing thank you so much! I think its ridiculous having a private parking company work on campus. I was using the campus doctors out of term time! I found a picture I took in the doctors that day of a slip from the blood pressure machine showing the date and time, don't know if that would be useful at all in the event of a hearing?

I've drafted an appeal letter but I won't send it if you're suggesting otherwise.

The debt collection letters have been going to my Dads address as thats the address my car is registered too, I'd love for them to be sent to my uni address so they stop worrying him.

I'm going to have to dig for my actual PCN, would it be a big issue if I no longer have it?

Thanks again

Coupon-mad

Is your address that the letters are going to, a Sussex address, or your parents' address elsewhere?

The court (in the end, if they sue) will be local to where your address is, so would you rather update the scammers and tell them to use your Sussex address now, to ensure any hearing is here?

If you need to change the address so you see the letters sooner - and to stop your parents panicking and paying the scam charge to 'help' you! - then send the parking firm's data protection officer and email rectifying your address data. Up to you, decide now where you'd rather go to any hearing (but relax because F1rst are not particularly litigious and might just keeper sending these silly letters).

Don't reply to the scum debt collectors. They lie, because they can. Nasty industry.

Rehood

They're going to my Dads address elsewhere, which I live at outside of term time.

I think I'll just leave the address as is, I showed my Dad this thread so he's less worried now!

I also found my original Penalty charge notice last night so have that alongside two Debt collection letters in-case this escalates. But my plan is to just ignore the letters as you advised and hope for the best.

I'll post back in here with any updates. So glad I came across this forum everyone's been so helpful

Rehood

Had a letter saying the unpaid debt has now been handed to Direct Collection Bailiffs Limited.

Can anyone advise whether to ignore this or not?

Thanks