DCBL and First Parking LLP. Should you always ignore?

1122abc

I have read through the FAQ and relevant posts since I have been receiving debt collection letters from DCBL (ltd) from July 2022. They are acting on behalf of First Parking LLP. 

I have been ignoring the letters but after reading through posts by people who have received court claim packs years later is making me worry. I didn’t actually think I could be taken to court over such a small (initial) sum. 

Are there any circumstances when you should not ignore the debt collection letters e.g. high probability of losing in court? I worry about the effect, if any, it might have on my life - financial and employment wise. I don’t know enough to make a confident decision. 

I received the parking charge because I parked in an NHS patient car park with my staff permit displayed. The staff car park was fully parked. The patient car park only allows parking for 12 hours but I stayed for my 13.5 hour shift. At the time, I was annoyed that I had to pay to go in to work, so I didn’t pay for parking but just displayed my permit. Have I got a leg to stand on in court? I’m guessing not.  

Coupon-mad

Are there any circumstances when you should not ignore the debt collection letters e.g. high probability of losing in court?

Nope. Even a high likelihood of losing in court wouldn't be a reason to contact what right-thinking people might call a 'debt thug' firm.  That's because court is fair and adds no huge costs risk and no CCJ risk as long as you don't ignore a court claim.

You don't owe anything, let alone an extortionate £170 so no ringing the 'debt thug' firm.

As long as you defend a claim (if one arrives) and follow our advice you can't get a CCJ even if you lost.  A claim would come from a solicitor like DCBLegal, not DCBLtd.

I worry about the effect, if any, it might have on my life - financial and employment wise. 

None at all, as long as you don't ignore a court claim/deadlines. Your only concern is if you move house you MUST tell the PPC because a claim going to an old address unseen would cause a CCJ behind your back.  Your only concern!

Why not ask the Facilities Manager at the Hospital to tell F1rst to cancel it?

1122abc

Coupon-mad said:

Are there any circumstances when you should not ignore the debt collection letters e.g. high probability of losing in court?

Nope. Even a high likelihood of losing in court wouldn't be a reason to contact what right-thinking people might call a 'debt thug' firm.  That's because court is fair and adds no huge costs risk and no CCJ risk as long as you don't ignore a court claim.

You don't owe anything, let alone an extortionate £170 so no ringing the 'debt thug' firm.

As long as you defend a claim (if one arrives) and follow our advice you can't get a CCJ even if you lost.  A claim would come from a solicitor like DCBLegal, not DCBLtd.

I worry about the effect, if any, it might have on my life - financial and employment wise. 

None at all, as long as you don't ignore a court claim/deadlines. Your only concern is if you move house you MUST tell the PPC because a claim going to an old address unseen would cause a CCJ behind your back.  Your only concern!

Why not ask the Facilities Manager at the Hospital to tell F1rst to cancel it?

Thank you so much. 

Yes I spoke to the estates and facilities but I was told that it’s nothing to do with them. However, I know for a fact that they have cancelled parking charges for staff who are ‘higher up’ and also for some of my colleagues at my level (but who personally know the people who work in the department)…so, oh well. 

KeithP

1122abc said:

Coupon-mad said:

Are there any circumstances when you should not ignore the debt collection letters e.g. high probability of losing in court?

Nope. Even a high likelihood of losing in court wouldn't be a reason to contact what right-thinking people might call a 'debt thug' firm.  That's because court is fair and adds no huge costs risk and no CCJ risk as long as you don't ignore a court claim.

You don't owe anything, let alone an extortionate £170 so no ringing the 'debt thug' firm.

As long as you defend a claim (if one arrives) and follow our advice you can't get a CCJ even if you lost.  A claim would come from a solicitor like DCBLegal, not DCBLtd.

I worry about the effect, if any, it might have on my life - financial and employment wise. 

None at all, as long as you don't ignore a court claim/deadlines. Your only concern is if you move house you MUST tell the PPC because a claim going to an old address unseen would cause a CCJ behind your back.  Your only concern!

Why not ask the Facilities Manager at the Hospital to tell F1rst to cancel it?

Yes I spoke to the estates and facilities but I was told that it’s nothing to do with them.

What rubbish.

Have a look at this document...
NHS car parking guidance 2022 for NHS trusts and NHS foundation trusts

Amongst other good stuff, in there you will see...