Waters & Gate Threatening Debt Collection - Province of Pisa Italy

Lukas018

Hi all,
Hope everyone is well and safe.
During this pandemic a delightful debt collection firm named above sent my dad a letter informing him he needs to pay for a traffic infringement in the Province of Pisa in 2017 when he hired a car. He knew nothing about it and naturally Waters and Gate have provided no proof of the infringement and who instructed them to recover the funds of an extortionate £430 odd pounds. I found a link about Waters & Gate activities (link below) and aware they buy the debts and reclaim:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5883047/debt-collector-driving-on-bus-lane-in-italy 
To date they have not provided anything just threatening remarks. 
We naturally disputed this and ask for their comment on the link and to provide the necessary proof the infringement happened. We even wrote to the Italian Embassy who advised that they cannot get involved but made us aware that under Italian Law there must be a photo or CCTV as proof.
We are in writing with Waters & Gate, I know people advise to ignore, but we are not going to let this go especially is someone is elderly or vulnerable.
They have not complied to pre-action protocol for debt claims nor have they provided any proof of the CCTV or who instructed them to proceed with recovery.
On the link I didn't see if this went any further with anyone or got is resolved?
I am so angry they are threatening my dad with legal proceedings from the Italian Police which I am sure is not legal unless he has committed a criminal act.
I am somewhat confused over the actual power they have and what leglisation we have to counter act this as too many articles and law.
I would be grateful if anyone can advise me on any current legislation we can use and what rights they have?
Also was there a bill of parliament to prevent this type of activity?
Sorry for long story just makes me very angry. 
Many thanks
Lukas

nosferatu1001

They cant actually do anything. Nothing at all. Theyre a mere debt collector. 
If your dad has no plans to return to Italy, then just ignore. 

Umkomaas

We are in writing with Waters & Gate, I know people advise to ignore, but we are not going to let this go especially is someone is elderly or vulnerable.

So you want to encourage them to give your father further hassle?  Why would we advise ignoring debt collectors if we really meant communicate with them?

They have not complied to pre-action protocol for debt claims

Unless they have issued a formal Letter of Claim, there's no need to comply with the PaP. 

To date they have not provided anything just threatening remarks. 

Classic hallmark of a powerless debt collector. 

Unless/until they issue a formal LoC or a county court claim, ignore them, because short of paying their extortion, nothing you can say or do will stop them in their tracks. 

MothballsWallet

OP: I'd go with what the others have said, but I'd keep those letters in a file just in case they send something that you actually have to respond to, like the Letter of Claim.

D_P_Dance

Try posting here
https://www.expatexchange.com/italy/liveinitaly.html

nosferatu1001

MothballsWallet said:

OP: I'd go with what the others have said, but I'd keep those letters in a file just in case they send something that you actually have to respond to, like the Letter of Claim.

Given they have no standing to sue, it could only be a magistrates court as theyre alleging a criminal offence, and the UK court would keep any outcome, we;ve never seen ANY cross border enforcement EVER. 

Lukas018

Thank you all, I guess this was the case, I don't like bullies and the fact that elderly or vulnerable would pay this out of fear it is disgraceful. 
Moving forward is it best to leave it for now as we were going to get a final response from them to take it to financial ombudsman?

D_P_Dance

IMO, this is not a matter for an ombudsman .

nosferatu1001

The ombudsman wont care. This isnt regulated. 

Lukas018

OK. What is the next best course of action please? 

D_P_Dance

Post on the expats forum, I very much doubt that any of us are experts on Italian traffic violations.