Smart Parking / Debt Recovery Plus - Northern Ireland

Rycor8

Hi All,

Brand new to the site, as I have been trying to research Smart Parking / Debt Recovery, due to a fine I have received myself.

I have been reading loads of information already but just want to reconfirm I have all right.

Literally 1 year ago I apparently parked at a local shop for 3.5 hours, which I didnt, very likely it was multiple visits. Anyway, Previous letters were sent to an old address, I got the latest to my new address, STUPIDLY called as I had no idea what and where it was for etc.

Ignored them since and have landed several other letters. My understanding is:

IGNORE EVERYTHING from Debt Recovery Plus - Especially as I am in Northern Ireland. Yes?

They have no authority, all they can do is scare people and hope they pay essentially. On my latest letter, which is attached, I did laugh at "Days until legal action: IMMINENT". Although is is titled "Terminal Notice, pre legal action", and I havent noticed another thread with this.

My guess is this again is just a scare tactic, and is in no way a Letter of Claim, given that it is Smart Parking that would have to do the claim? and Debt Recovery Plus likely dont have a legal team to refer to?

Its the first PCN I have ever landed, to my knowledge, so it is very unlikely that it actually will go to court, given its the only one and its probably not worth their effort 
for a small fine (£160)?

Only time I need to actually respond is if I get sent a Letter Before Claim? (Or is that under a different name in N.I)?

Anyway, apologies, I know its likely all covered, but just for my peace of mind, many thanks.

Coupon-mad

IGNORE EVERYTHING from Debt Recovery Plus - Especially as I am in Northern Ireland. Yes?

Yes.  Relax. Nothing will happen in NI. It is nigh on impossible for you to get a court claim.

But you could get your Consumer Council to get this cancelled for you.  They handle these all the time and consider it a scam industry.

Rycor8

Appreciate the quick reply, just wanted to be sure, as most posts I seen seemed to be based in England.

I did actually reach out to them but due to it being originally raised over a year ago, and already at Debt recovery stage, this is all they sent back.

Will Just ignore then so, and hope it doesnt go forward to an actually court claim, which as you said, seems very unlikely. "Fingers Crossed".

KeithP

Interesting to see clamping mentioned in that letter from NI Consumer Council...

If you ignore the PCN, you must be careful not to get any further PCNs, as some companies may clamp vehicles where there are a number of outstanding PCNs.

Is clamping still a thing in Northern Ireland?

Rycor8

I believe it remains legal in Northern Ireland, in certain situations. Didn't believe this would be one of them, but I guess it is.

Haven't seen a clamped car here in over 15 years though.

Coupon-mad

It is a thing but it is illegal to clamp/tow for unpaid PCN debt.  As NCP found to enormous cost in the Mayhook case:
http://parking-prankster.blogspot.com/2017/11/ex-tower-nigel-barrington-fuller-made.html?m=1

grannymuzz

@Rycor8

Hi, just wondering if you heard any more from them?
I got the exact same letter today regarding an alleged offence from 2 years ago. 

Cheers

grannymuzz

@Rycor8 @Coupon-mad

Clamping is only legal in NI if the vehicle is unlicensed😊

Umkomaas

grannymuzz said:

@Rycor8 @Coupon-mad

Clamping is only legal in NI if the vehicle is unlicensed😊 ****

**** .... on private land. 

On-road is different. 

Coupon-mad

grannymuzz said:

@Rycor8 @Coupon-mad

Clamping is only legal in NI if the vehicle is unlicensed😊

That's not the case on private land.