HELP! Have I missed defence submission date (COVID-19!) -

Ralph-y

I have no idea how much they charge , and if they are all still open ...  but google imail and look at a few searches for printing

Ralph

BrownTrout

Print and post using www.imailprint.co.uk

growbag

Thanks. I'll look into it -- as long as I can do that without going outside - unwell and in self isolation (not allowed out)

growbag

Quick update on this. I just checked the MCOL website and the case history now says:

Your acknowledgment of service was received on 04/03/2020 at 16:05:10

Your defence was received on 31/03/2020

DQ sent to you on 31/03/2020

So it looks like my defence has been accepted and entered. Thank you everyone for your help. I will now deal with the DQ.

growbag

Just looking at the DQ. Is there anything to be gained from agreeing to mediation? My argument is that VCS have no legal authority to issue the PCN (no sight of service agreement or variation on lease) - and I have used the Beavis counterarguments. But if it does goes to Court will it be looked at more favourably if an attempt has been made at mediation??

D_P_Dance

There is nothing to be gained by mediation in parking matters and the PPC has every right to send you an invoice.   Please read the stickies/newbies at the top of the index page where all is explained.  We cannot predict how judges will view failure to engage in mitigation, that may well depend on the strength of your argument.  

Umkomaas

growbag said:

Just looking at the DQ. Is there anything to be gained from agreeing to mediation? My argument is that VCS have no legal authority to issue the PCN (no sight of service agreement or variation on lease) - and I have used the Beavis counterarguments. But if it does goes to Court will it be looked at more favourably if an attempt has been made at mediation??

Mediation won't deal with the rights or wrongs of the claim, just the fact that the PPC want their full pound of flesh, you wish to give them nothing. End of call. It's unlikely that any unfavourable inference will be drawn from turning down mediation. But you must have read this already in the NEWBIES FAQ sticky, yes?

growbag

Thanks  - Yes read to just say no on the newbies thread - but then read this on a solicitors website re: Mitigation on the N180 (helix law co uk)

This item on the directions questionnaire asks whether the parties want to stay the court process for a number of weeks or months to give the parties time for mediation or other negotiation. An unreasonable refusal to mediate or negotiate could result in an adverse costs order. If you’re thinking of rejecting mediation or an offer by the other side to stay proceedings, you should seek the advice of a specialist litigation lawyer to see if your refusal is appropriate and unlikely to harm you on costs.

growbag

But this probably not referring to parking matters as you point out above. I'll just say no! 

Umkomaas

Mediation only works where there is some recognition by the defendant that they do owe the claimant some part of the claim, but not the whole amount. The mediator will try to find some figure that both parties agree to. 

Have I misread your thread?