Civil Enforcement Ltd - Don’t think I have a defence

LisaWales

Dear All
Firstly I have read all the newbies and lots of threads and can’t find anything that obviously sits with my situation, and I wonder if someone could help with clear advice please.
The vehicle and the driver (not the registered keeper) parked in a University Car Park run by Civil Enforcement Limited. The car park permit was out of date. The University told the driver that they should ignore the ticket as they “never take anyone to court” from the experience of the university staff and other students.
So the notice came through, followed by the transfer to debt collectors, and now the debt collector letter has arrived without any time limit to pay and with the debt unpaid now standing at £150 (original fine was £80). I have ignore all and made no contact whatsoever with CEL or the collectors ZZPS.
The ignore advice is all over the threads, but usually relates to cases where this is a clear defence. As I have not communicated with anyone I do not know if they have evidence, but I do know that the vehicle was parked there with an out of date permit.
So to my question - am i safe to continue to ignore the letters? If they do take me to court, and it would be good to know the chances of this happening with this company, what is the likely cost going to escalate to, and in these circumstances, is there really any defence?
Their previous correspondence has met all the requirements that have been mentioned on this forum, although the letter from ZZPS does not give any timeframe for payment.
One of the reasons we did not want to pay originally was the CEL website looked unsafe and we were not prepared to use the online, and the telephone number went to answer machine (don’t worry no message was left).
Please note, I have tried to find the answer in all the threads - which have helped me to have the confidence to ignore stuff up to this time, but I am now concerned that the costs will jump up again and it is now starting to get expensive for 1 day’s parking!! Also I do not want the vehicle owner to have any court papers or judgements against them as it will have a negative effect on their future credit/mortgage position.

Thanks in advance for some specific advice and guidance

Coupon-mad

The ignore advice is all over the threads,

No it isn't. Nowhere. Not since 2013. Not ignoring the PPC from the start!

Ignoring a DEBT COLLECTOR, yes. But you should have appealed at first.

If they do take me to court, and it would be good to know the chances of this happening with this company,

Very likely, and you can find cases by searching the forum for Civil Enforcement defence or CEL court claim.

What is the likely cost going to escalate to,

Same as you see in all the CEL Claim threads. The PCN remains at £80. Court costs are about £50 if you lose the case. CEL will try to get £60 on top, and more for 'legal work', but that's not recoverable as long as you know how to argue that (see any defences!).

and in these circumstances, is there really any defence?

There is always a defence. And why would anyone pay a debt collector £150, to avoid paying £130-odd in the 1% of rare cases we see lost? Most people pay nothing at all.

For example in your case, did the permit have an expiry date on it?

Do you have it in writing or by email from the Uni to ''ignore it''?

kryten3000

Civil Enforcement are keen to bring claims, they are less keen to actually turn up in court. The vast majority of defended claims are discontinued.