Letter of Claim from DCB legal

SCompx

Update 07/01/23: SAR request done.

Update 09/01/23: Sent email to DCB

Update 20/01/23: Received acknowledgement from DCB

Update: 07/02/23: As didn't received SAR from Bank PCN - followed up and they sent it over in 10 min

Update 28/02/23: Received claim form

Update 07/03/23: AOS sent through MoneyClaim website.

FYI: Apologies in advance for my english as it's not my first language.

Before this "letter of claim", I got a few letters from debt-collecting agencies to pay or we take you to court etc. threatening letters. I ignore all that but this one looks genuine.

I read through the "Letter of Claim" thread and found out that my next action will be as below but not sure wondering whether I defend or pay off (£160) and avoid Court and CCJ.

• Send SAR to Bank Park
• Email the solicitor DCB Legal

Story: I want to shop at Tesco, I drive to parking spaces in front of the Tesco, can't see any sign at the entrance, waited as someone just leaving, parked the car stepped out and walk towards the Tesco. Just at end of the parking space, I saw the board about private parking and looks like Tesco's parking at the backside of the Tesco - I got back into the car and drive away within around 12 min. (Very busy road to get out of that parking space)

I got the PCN with the subject "Failed to get Free Session" - parking is free for 30 min if you get a ticket from the machine. (If I know that, I would have got it)

I appeal to the parking company which dismiss my appeal and then appeal to "theias.org" - The proof BankPark sent over shows that I was (IN and OUT - ANPR) in around 12ish min. And they send over the location plan indicating where is the sign - I sent them photos as no sign at the entrance (as shown by the location pan) even though they rejected my apples and started sending debt recovery letters.

And now received this letter of claim.

Mouse007

Don't worry about your English, it's better than some others.

Street view is interesting, as you travel down the A329 towards Reading past the entrance to this small car park you go from November 2022 images to October 2020 and then August 2021. Look for the small sign on the lampost next to the Tesco Sign. While it is there it has been turned round so it can not be read as you approach.

What is absolutely clear (you are correct) is that there is no large entrace sign per the site plan, none whatsoever.

I think you have a good defence. Don't pay and don't worry about a CCJ, this lot have a habit of giving up before Court if you stay strong.

patient_dream

Those two pictures ?   Guess it must be a party joke by Bank Parking ... "SPOT THE SIGNS" ... HENCE DCBL getting involved ?

If you have 100% proof that there were no visible signs  then complain to Tesco to get this cancelled. Although Tesco tend to hate customers that is why they employ parking scammers to get rid of customers

In the meantime you must respond to a letter before claim s seen in the NEWBIES thread,

To confirm

1: Deny the debt
2: Tell them you are taking debt advice and you require a further 30 days before any action is taken
3: Ask them to explain their legal authority to add £60 which is fake

Welcome to the DCBL game and hopefully you will end up in this thread

DCB LEGAL RECORD OF PRIVATE PARKING COURT CLAIM DISCONTINUATIONS

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

SCompx

Thank you so much for your replies. It gives me the confidence to put up defense for this PCN.

@Mouse007 How did you figure out which location it was, did I give it away in my post. Small sign is not only turned around, it's also hidden behind the trees in the photo I taken just after I received the PCN. 

@patient_dream - I took photos and videos just after I received the PCN. This one is Tesco extra, and it has huge parking at the back. After getting PCN, I learned that Tesco has nothing to do with front parking.

As letter dated, 12th December do you suggest I wait till like 6-7th January and fire an email to DCB and ask for further 30 days or sent it now.

patient_dream

SCompx said:

@patient_dream - I took photos and videos just after I received the PCN. This one is Tesco extra, and it has huge parking at the back. After getting PCN, I learned that Tesco has nothing to do with front parking.

As letter dated, 12th December do you suggest I wait till like 6-7th January and fire an email to DCB and ask for further 30 days or sent it now.

A lot of car parks are confusing.  Pictures and a video are good as proof

YES contact DCBL around the 7th of Jan which means they cannot do anything until at least Feb.

If you get a court claim after that, come back here so we can issist in zapping them

And take no notice of the "can't pay, we'll take it away" logo ... a junk TV programme and just designed to scare you ..... totally pathetic

PS: Everything in writing .. NEVER PHONE DCBL

Mouse007

SCompx said:

@Mouse007 How did you figure out which location it was, did I give it away in my post.

I be a detective

When you have eliminated all which is impossible, then whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.

It was the only steet view left.

SCompx

Thank you guys.

thetriggerhappypwner

The image of the letter from DCBL...

That thing at the bottom screams "threatening" and "intimidating" to me.

Here's why...

We all know what DCBL are, we also know that on the Channel 5 series referenced on that letter, they were also bullying, and quite frankly pursuing people for outrageous figures that were in my opinion fabricated, in addition to the alleged debt.  That's right folks, they add on extortionate amounts for collection, and we are talking hundreds if not thousands.  On one occasion, how does an alleged debt for around £2,600 jump to £4,200 for not paying straight away and within around 20 minutes of them arriving at the alleged debtors address (in this case if memory serves, a restraunt serving Itallian food).  It is blatant extortion, and in my view blackmail as well.  I have never had the misfortune of having to deal with these clowns, or debt collectors or bailiffs in general as far as I know.

I would not respond to such threatening and intimidating letters.  But that is just me.  I would keep them for evidence though, for court.

Just my 2 cents.

SCompx

thetriggerhappypwner said:

I would not respond to such threatening and intimidating letters.  But that is just me.  I would keep them for evidence though, for court.

You have to respond to the letter of claim.

SCompx

Update: SAR request done.

Any ideas where to send email for DCB Legal - my letter got email address info@dcblegal.co.uk and reply to their response form (my understanding is don't use their response form).

Even their website do not advertise any email address.

fisherjim

Signs? What signs: