CST Law/Smart Parking/DRP - Letter Before Claim - Got the ball rolling...

downtothebay

I know this is 3 years later but this is an update from my OP. (Initial fine was from Nov 2021).

I sent the response above in July 2022 and did not hear anything back - until a few months ago. 

I havent visited the car park in question since 2021 but I revisited it in April 2025 - I paid for my ticket. 

However, it seems this has prompted a renewed bombarment from a firm called DCBLegal and I have just received a Letter Of Claim from them.

It has now been nearly 4 years since the initial fine and Letter Before Claim and response i send. 

The new form (LETTER OF CLAIM) is demanding £170 which including parking charges, debt rcovery costs and 8% accrued interest if this is followed through. 

I know its a big ask but could someone have a read through my thread and see where im at and possibly help advise me here as its took me by surprise - the previous firm was CST Law. 

Kind regards

P.S. my initial instinct is to respond with this template... could someone advise before i continue?

Dear Sirs,

Your Ref. ############
Proposed Legal Proceedings
Claimant: xxxxxx xxxxxxxx Ltd

I refer to your your letter of claim.

I confirm that my address for service for the time being - assuming you don't faff about and delay any claim - is as follows, and any older address must be erased from your records:
[Correct address here]

The alleged debt is disputed and any court proceedings will be vigorously defended.

I am sourcing and seeking independent debt advice and as such, I formally request that this matter be put on hold for an additional 30 days, in accordance with the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims 2017 ('the PAP').

I note that the amount being claimed has increased by a hugely exaggerated amount which the Government called "extorting money from motorists".

Don't send me your usual blather about that.
I have two questions, and under the PAP I am entitled to specific answers:

1. Am I to understand that the additional £70 represents what you lot dress up as a 'Debt Recovery' fee, and if so, is this nett or inclusive of VAT? If the latter, would you kindly explain why I am being asked to pay the operator’s VAT?

2. With regard to the principal alleged PCN sum: Is this damages, or will it be pleaded as consideration for parking?

Yours faithfully

Coupon-mad

However, it seems this has prompted a renewed bombardment from a firm called DCBLegal and I have just received a Letter Of Claim from them.

Completely unrelated to your visit in April. It's just a batch that's been moved on to DCB Legal this year for the first time, like these ones (also revived from 2022):

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6361161/smart-parking-ltd-cst-law-parking-ticket/p1

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6454844/was-cst-law-but-now-dcb-legal-for-smart-parking/p1

Your case will now go to a Claim Form which is easy to defend and DCB Legal will discontinue in 2026.

You need to read:

- Post 2 of the NEWBIES thread 

- any Smart Parking claim threads

The fact it was with CST Law is irrelevant.

And: FIGHTBACK ALERT:

Please do the government's Public Consultation. We need every poster to complete this vital survey before the deadline.

See this thread:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6617396/parking-code-of-practice-consultation-now-extended-closes-friday-26th-september/p1

We understand that you may need some pointers. It looks laborious, we get that. It doesn't matter; no knowledge is needed except re your own experiences so you can call out a scam industry and you'll protect millions of motorists and help change the law. 

I've written some guidance to help focus new posters on the issues. I've covered almost every question, providing ideas if you agree with our stance on things like DRFs, which we say must be banned.

Ordinary people like you are falling victim to this scam 15 million times per annum. Motorists need your voice added please.

CLOSES ON FRIDAY 26th SEPTEMBER.

downtothebay

Thank you - i am proceeding with advise from post 2. Will keep thread updated if thats okay. 

Coupon-mad

Yes definitely. 

And do send and share the new yellow image (the PC message) that I linked - print, post and/or share with the organisations mentioned - then go to page one of that link to do the consultation as there is only a couple of weeks left to change the law.

downtothebay

Afternoon one and all, quick update…. I have just received this template response via email since Iresponded to the LoC. (I have attached screenshot of part of the email - I figure it is a standard template they are using at this point). Can someone please advise on the following…

- I just wait the 30 days now for the MCOL / N1 form to arrive? Is this correct? Then I submit my defence…?
- if my defence is strong enough and well prepared there is a chance it will be discontinued or is this going to court do you think? 

Much appreciated 

downtothebay

Just bumping in the hope of some advise to my above post 

kryten3000

Wait for the claim, defend it and they will discontinue after the Mediation stage.

details of the claim process can be found on the website linked in my signature. 

Umkomaas

kryten3000 said:

Wait for the claim, defend it and they will discontinue after the Mediation stage.

details of the claim process can be found on the website linked in my signature. 

Yep, that's what happens in defended DCB Legal claims. Ride the wave!

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6377263/dcb-legal-record-of-private-parking-court-claim-discontinuations/p1