Vehicle Control Services LJLA

DisruptiveLad

I had a telephone meeting with Elms Legal last week. I asked the deputy practice manager girl if she knew of any links with VCS and Elms Legal. Funnily enough, her young memory failed her. 'No', she replied, 'we're two different companies.' I asked her if she wanted another go at answering, but she was adamant there were no links. I asked her why the Law Society listed her MD as Inhouse solicitor at VCS. The SRA lists him as 'working' at VCS.

She appeared to reach on her memory at that point, albeit to say he wasn't inhouse solicitor, but a consultant. 'Paid or unpaid?', I asked. She refused to be drawn. 'Conflict of interest?' I suggested. 'Oh no,' she replied. He only listens. It's a breach of SRA and Cilex Regulation Codes of Conduct. I told her the contract her firm had sent was in breach of Section 44 of the Companies Act 2006. I explained why. She said it was legal but WOULD NOT explain why. I really do hope her report of that meeting includes reference to me asking about Ed Shoreman Lawson. A written reference will be evidence of regulatory wrongdoing. It's due today, Friday.

KeithP

DisruptiveLad said:

I had a telephone meeting with Elms Legal last week. I asked the deputy practice manager girl if she knew of any links with VCS and Elms Legal. Funnily enough, her young memory failed her. 'No', she replied, 'we're two different companies.' I asked her if she wanted another go at answering, but she was adamant there were no links. I asked her why the Law Society listed her MD as Inhouse solicitor at VCS. The SRA lists him as 'working' at VCS.

She appeared to reach on her memory at that point, albeit to say he wasn't inhouse solicitor, but a consultant. 'Paid or unpaid?', I asked. She refused to be drawn. 'Conflict of interest?' I suggested. 'Oh no,' she replied. He only listens. It's a breach of SRA and Cilex Regulation Codes of Conduct. I told her the contract her firm had sent was in breach of Section 44 of the Companies Act 2006. I explained why. She said it was legal but WOULD NOT explain why. I really do hope her report of that meeting includes reference to me asking about Ed Shoreman Lawson. A written reference will be evidence of regulatory wrongdoing. It's due today, Friday.

So you had a phone meeting. Crazy.

Anything you might want to use can easily be dismissed as hearsay.

You need evidence. Your recollection of a phone call is not evidence.

Let's also hope you didn't say anything you may come to regret.

DisruptiveLad

I've just spoken to her again to make sure she put in her report that my suggestion that Ed SL was inhouse solicitor for VCS was 'incorrect'. She told me she had. A clear breach of SRA regulations in writing. Thank you very much. Good night. A whole can containing worms about to be opened.

Their complaints policy allows a phone call or in-person meeting. Given the distance, I opted for the call which she has no doubt had someone record. Her report is in the post apparently. 

I can still refer to Ed SL for a review of her report. However, she told me in the call last week that I 'can't expect herself or ESL to be impartial as we represent our client.' So, another raft of regulatory breaches there. They really are THAT incompetent.

I've also today asked her to point out on the poorly imaged map where the offence took place. She said the contravention took place on the pic with the red. I corrected her to 'alleged' contravention. I put it to her that if a number of cars queued there would they be targeted. 'Yes', she replied. She was flustered when I fired all these questions at her. I had caught her 'unprepared'. I explained, as a journalist, that's how I operate. I also told her LJLA were, in writing, contradicting her. I left it at that.

Coupon-mad

That being said, I like your fightback style!

We knew already that Ed Shoreman Lawson was connected to both Elms and VCS.  And your actual case is really similar to others, as @Fruitcake showed you, and we win in court.

Did you get it in writing from the Airport that VCS should not be ticketing a car at an entrance barrier (only on clearly marked red route roadways)?

DisruptiveLad

Yes, in writing. But have asked for fuller clarity pending possible MP intervention. Let me tell you something. My father stood against injustice like his father before him. I don't do injustice or bullying or harassmen either.

I beat Aberdeen City Council at the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service in December. I beat the Dartford Crossing operator all-ends-up in 2016; the car park operator at Asda Doncaster and the car park operator at Xscape Castleford too. I don't do polite. I only do full-on attack. I stopped DCBL in their tracks on this current case and they gave up. So, tackle me at your peril is my message to cowboys. 

DisruptiveLad

That should have read harassment.

Coupon-mad

I share your view and can't even state on this forum the level of fightback v this rogue industry that I'm involved in.

Myself and bargepole were on Channel 5's 'Parking: the Big Con?' last month, which is still available on catch up if you want to see who we are.  I'm the lady on the beach.  But that's tame stuff and only the tip of the iceberg in what we do.

Fruitcake

Sometimes a 'phone call will be greeted by a message stating that "this call may be recorded ..."
That works both ways. It gives implied permission for the caller to record the call.

I'm not sure, but unless a statement to the contrary is made, I see no reason why a call may not be recorded at the caller's end without giving a warning of such.

Umkomaas

This looks to be interesting and one in which an investment in popcorn might be a good one. Keep us in the loop @DisruptiveLad, more power to your elbow.

🍿 

DisruptiveLad

Yes. Sweet popcorn. Salty for VCS and Elms Legal though. I deliberately waited until this point to draw Liverpool John Lennon Airport into it. So as Elms were writing up their response to my complaint about their client, I began to prod LJLA gently. I also have my MP on standby, but LJLA are already fully engaging with me. Once I get Elms' Legal report, in which they have told me they will criticise me for suggesting Ed is VCS' inhouse solicitor (hint - he is according to his legal regulator), then I will report for several breaches of the SRA's Code of Conduct.