Civil Enforcement Limited refusing to cancel ticket

RaeJ

Hi, 

Just joined this forum in the hope we can get advice around an ongoing parking fine. Thanks for adding me. 

Here is our story -

In October 2021 we had tickets to see Genesis (the group) at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow. 

The event was cancelled that afternoon (COVID related) BUT that’s not our biggest annoyance of the weekend. (Got our ticket money back)

Because it was a very much looked forward to trip we booked to stay at the Camponile Hotel in Glasgow - next to OVO Hydro. A short walk away from the venue. Great! 

We chose the Camponile because it advertised free parking for customers (in an area of Glasgow where parking charges are high).

We drove in - parked car - and my husband checked us in to the hotel. 

The Camponile logged our car details during check in and the receptionist confirmed the query my husband asked ‘can we get the car authenticated for car parking’.  She said yes.

Whilst he was doing that I moved our car to 4 parking spaces away from the hotel entrance to be sure.

At NO point did the hotel verify / clarify our parking space choice. 

 A few weeks later we got a parking ticket! And photos of our car leaving the parking lot - not parked.

We challenged it and the feedback from Civil Enforcement Limited was the space we used belonged to The Rotunda (a restaurant at the other side of this huge parking lot).

Long story short we contacted very helpful people at the hotel and restaurant to ask for advice. 

On 17th November we received an email from the Camponile confirming that our parking ticket had been cleared by the Rotunda restaurant. But the emails saying we were still liable to pay kept coming.

We contacted the hotel and restaurant again and spoke to a very helpful girl at the Rotunda. She took the PCN number and said she would contact them again and not to worry - we’d receive a letter confirming the cancellation of the parking charge in a few days - we didn’t!

So yesterday (17th February 2022) we received yet another letter saying that the debt has escalated and the threat of debt collection agents! All extremely stressful. 

I spent hours yesterday contacting the hotel and restaurant again. My worry now is that despite their attempts to help us these demands from Civil Enforcement will keep coming. 

Help please. 

Le_Kirk

Just to be clear, are these threatening letters coming from the parking company or a debt collector?  Also, are you resident in Scotland?  If so, please read the NEWBIE sticky especially the part about if you live in Scotland as the law is different and, providing that the PPC don't know who was driving, they cannot hold the keeper liable for the actions of the driver.

RaeJ

Hi, These letters are coming from the parking company (Civil Enforcement Limited). The one we received yesterday threatened us with third party collection agents to pursue the debt! 

Yes we live in Scotland and I'll check that sticky, thanks.

It is unclear in the photograph who was driving (it was either myself or my husband). I parked the car in the 'offending' spot but he drove into and out of the car park. 

RaeJ

Having read through the newbie information I noticed that it said not to disclose who was driving - we did I'm afraid. In one of the many correspondences we explained I move that car close to the hotel while my husband checked us in and registered the car. 

Le_Kirk

If it is only one incident, it is unlikely that they will pursue it through civil action as it costs too much, they usually pursue three cases (same keeper) when it makes it worthwhile.  Best bet then is to pursue the hotel and ask that they get it cancelled.

RaeJ

Thanks for that.
Yes I knew from others who have been hounded by these companies BUT it's the harassment. I can see how they survive because people cave in and pay.  

Our issue was the failure of Civil Enforcement to listen!

We contacted the hotel again yesterday. Here is their response -

Hi ............., 

As per our telephone call earlier. 

Just to confirm I have sent an email over to the Rotunda again, asking for proof of cancellation of your parking ticket. I have also asked if they have contact details for the Civil Enforcement that I could directly call or email (If I can - I know what data protection is like) to get this sorted. 

Again as far as I was aware the parking ticket has been cleared and the issue resolved.

I will keep you updated on my progress and find out what is going on to get a definite answer on the parking charge. 

Kind Regards,

............................

Fruitcake

Respond to the hotel in writing with CEL's email address. Everything must always be in writing. A 'phone call is not worth the paper upon which it is writ.

Umkomaas

Yes I knew from others who have been hounded by these companies BUT it's the harassment.

I'm afraid nothing much will stop it (other than a landowner cancellation, and I see you are on the case in that regard), so you have to stay strong, ignoring the crap they'll send you, but filing the papers.  Nothing will come of this other than silly letters.

MrBrightside2020

RaeJ said:

Thanks for that.
Yes I knew from others who have been hounded by these companies BUT it's the harassment. I can see how they survive because people cave in and pay.  

Our issue was the failure of Civil Enforcement to listen!

We contacted the hotel again yesterday. Here is their response -

Hi ............., 

As per our telephone call earlier. 

Just to confirm I have sent an email over to the Rotunda again, asking for proof of cancellation of your parking ticket. I have also asked if they have contact details for the Civil Enforcement that I could directly call or email (If I can - I know what data protection is like) to get this sorted. 

Again as far as I was aware the parking ticket has been cleared and the issue resolved.

I will keep you updated on my progress and find out what is going on to get a definite answer on the parking charge. 

Kind Regards,

............................

I'm also from Scotland and the keeper in another case has also ignored letters from CEL. They will not pursue a case under £300 as they will not be awarded any fees for this at court under Simple Procedure.

Expect the following letter chain;

CEL - around 3 letters.
ZZPS - two letters
GCTT (ZZPS) - two letters
QDR Solicitors - two letters

Just ignore, they will do nothing but send letters containing empty threats and legal errors.

patient_dream

CEL and Scotland simply don't work. THEY ARE A MIS-MATCH

As said above, let these fools play musical chairs with each other. Let them work themselves into a frenzy and waste their money