Car park fine, Court & Bailiff

floboroo

I had a knock on the door at 8pm. It was a bailiff who said that he was there to recoup money from an outstanding car parking fine that I apparently received in June 2018. I was a little confused to say the least because I honestly do not remember getting one.

He said that I had parked in my university car park There are two car parks - West and East, and I had overstayed in East. I had a look on my app and I had paid for my stay (£2.20) but I had obviously clicked West rather than East. I have evidence that I have paid this in my bank account.

I showed him this but he said that he could not do anything about it -I had been summoned to court and he was there to recover all costs. I told him that I had not received any court letters, to which he responded that he had been to an address that I had moved out of 5 years previously (my parents' old house that they have been moved out of for 4 years), as that is where they had been sent to.

I asked if I could have time to challenge it, but he said he had to take something there and then. It was either that I pay the cost of nearly £400 that was outstanding, or he had to take my car.

I paid the money to him and he gave me details of where to go for me to appeal. I am a bit dumbstruck at the moment to be honest. Firstly that I have just paid that much money over to someone for something that I know I have paid for, and secondly that he said there is little to no chance of me recovering that money back. I am so cross and angry. Is there anything that I can do? It is a lot of money for me and has thrown me into my overdraft, which I had worked so hard to get out of. I am a single full-time working mum of two young children and this means that I cannot afford their nursery fees this month without going into my HTB ISA.

Is there any chance of me getting any of it back?

Coupon-mad

No, IMHO you have no chance of getting it back and you still have a 'satisfied' CCJ ruining your credit rating for 6 years, too.

There was never £400 payable, it is an absolute scam.

So you got an unknown PCN in 2018 yet they sent all paperwork to a 5 year old address. Is that because you failed to update the DVLA of the car's registration address? I am not talking about your driving licence.

floboroo

Yes, didn't update the car's registration.

waamo

floboroo wrote: »

Yes, didn't update the car's registration.

Not a hope then. They effected good service for the paperwork and you've paid.

Coupon-mad

floboroo wrote: »

Yes, didn't update the car's registration.

If you still own the car then do that. How many other nasty surprises await you due to that oversight, I hope none.

And this scammer has ruined your chances of credit for 6 years.

floboroo

I called the council today, they said that I have no CCJ and that it was never 'taken to court' - it had just passed through the Traffic Enforcement Agency. They also have admitted that I had paid my original car parking fee and had proof on the screen in front of them.
Went to Citizen's Advice who were appalled that a) I had a visit at 8pm and b) he only gave me the option of paying on the spot or taking my car, even when I asked him if it could be delayed/challenged. I am complaining to the bailiff and will be taking it further.

Fruitcake

floboroo wrote: »

I called the council today, they said that I have no CCJ and that it was never 'taken to court' - it had just passed through the Traffic Enforcement Agency. They also have admitted that I had paid my original car parking fee and had proof on the screen in front of them.
Went to Citizen's Advice who were appalled that a) I had a visit at 8pm and b) he only gave me the option of paying on the spot or taking my car, even when I asked him if it could be delayed/challenged. I am complaining to the bailiff and will be taking it further.

I suggest you contact Sheila at Bailifadviceonline. She posts here as Herbie 21 and has a good reputation for helping MSE-ers. Make sure the web page shows an open law book as there are other sites with a similar name.

https://bailiffadviceonline.co.uk/

floboroo

Thank you Fruitcake, that's very helpful :j

Coupon-mad

As it was a University (private) car park, how can this be about a Council PCN?

floboroo

Coupon-mad wrote: »

As it was a University (private) car park, how can this be about a Council PCN?

I never said it was a private University car park. It is just the car park for the University - it is council owned.

nosferatu1001

You also didnt say it was anything to do with a council, until just then!

My understanding is they have to give 7 days clear warning. I presume theres no way that warning could have been given but misplaced?