URGENT help needed with my defence against DCBL

Not_A_Hope

Given the alleged event was over 2 years ago, the identity of the driver is not certain and has not been established by any evidence photos, and nor has any breach. The Defendant lived in London at the time of the alleged event and did not normally travel to Chelmsford. He recalls travelling to Chelmsford once for a car MOT was not able to relate that MOT to the alleged event as it was on a different date.

If you don’t think you have parked in the location stated have you checked the original NTK or reminders to see if they have pictures of your car. Could be yet another ANPR failure where it has misread a similar number plate. Could be a cloned plate. Alternatively does anyone else drive your car and might have used it that day? Did the NTK comply with POFA in order to hold you liable as keeper?

ShadowScript

Not_A_Hope said:

Given the alleged event was over 2 years ago, the identity of the driver is not certain and has not been established by any evidence photos, and nor has any breach. The Defendant lived in London at the time of the alleged event and did not normally travel to Chelmsford. He recalls travelling to Chelmsford once for a car MOT was not able to relate that MOT to the alleged event as it was on a different date.

If you don’t think you have parked in the location stated have you checked the original NTK or reminders to see if they have pictures of your car. Could be yet another ANPR failure where it has misread a similar number plate. Could be a cloned plate. Alternatively does anyone else drive your car and might have used it that day? Did the NTK comply with POFA in order to hold you liable as keeper?

I have since then done some further digging and there may be a possibility I might have visited Chelmsford that day. I'm not sure but it could be a possibility. 

ShadowScript

HICoupon-mad said:

DO NOT CONTACT ECP.

Do not do a SAR.  Sit tight.  Be aware that Mediation is now compulsory.  Read the first 12 steps of the Template Defence which covers that stage.

DCB Legal will discontinue later, anyway.  You won't have a hearing and won't pay a penny.

Coupon-mad said:

DO NOT CONTACT ECP.

Do not do a SAR.  Sit tight.  Be aware that Mediation is now compulsory.  Read the first 12 steps of the Template Defence which covers that stage.

DCB Legal will discontinue later, anyway.  You won't have a hearing and won't pay a penny.

Hi @Coupon-mad

Thank you for being so helpful earlier with this. I am back with some updates and seeking guidance again. If you'd like to skip these details, my specific questions are at the end of this comment. Added them there in bold to be respectful of your time.

• 07/10/2024 - Letter from DCBL suggesting settlement - they suggested they reviewed my defence and their Client intended to proceed with the claim but they may be prepared to settle. I did not respond to this.
• 16/10/2024 - Notice of Proposed Allocation to the Small Claims Track - noticed confirm that this was now a defended claim and suitable for allocation to the small claims track. I was asked to complete the Small Claims Directions Questionnaire (form N180) by 04/11/2024. Unfortunately, I failed to submit this in time due to personal circumstances.
• 12/11/2024 - General form or Judgment or Order - letter/order informing that I failed to file the Directions Questionnaire by the required date and 'It is ordered that' I must file the Directions Questionnaire on or before 7 days from service of this order.

I am attaching a snip of the order showing the issue date of the order and need some minor help with this.



First thing, if the letter/order is dated Tuesday 12/11/2024, I understand the date of service of the order will be 5 days later on Sunday 17/11/2024 and then I have up to the 7th day after this to submit the Directions Questionnaire which would be on 24/11/2024. Have I got this right?

In any case, I'd very much like to complete this correctly and get it filed ASAP so I am just looking to confirm that I need to send my completed form by email to the court at DQ.CNBC@justive.gov.uk and also to DCBL by post. Have I got that right?

KeithP

ShadowScript said:

I am attaching a snip of the order showing the issue date of the order and need some minor help with this.



In any case, I'd very much like to complete this correctly and get it filed ASAP so I am just looking to confirm that I need to send my completed form by email to the court at DQ.CNBC@justive.gov.uk and also to DCBL by post. Have I got that right?

That's exactly what you must do.

You have until 4pm on 25th November to comply, but why not send it today?

Why not email to DCB Legal too?

ShadowScript

KeithP said:

ShadowScript said:

I am attaching a snip of the order showing the issue date of the order and need some minor help with this.



In any case, I'd very much like to complete this correctly and get it filed ASAP so I am just looking to confirm that I need to send my completed form by email to the court at DQ.CNBC@justive.gov.uk and also to DCBL by post. Have I got that right?

That's exactly what you must do.

You have until 4pm on 25th November to comply, but why not send it today?

Why not email to DCB Legal too?

Thank you very much for the quick response, @KeithP.

I'd have certainly preferred to email DCBL as well. However, an email address has not been specified on their letter of claim except the info@dcblegal email address which is part of the letterhead template.

The claim form itself only specifies their postal address to send documents and payments.

I was therefore a bit apprehensive about just emailing the info email address on their letterhead and concerned that it might not meet the requirement of serving a copy to the Claimant.

What is your advice? What email address can I use to serve them a digital copy without worrying that it will not meet the requirement? Sorry I am new to this so probably a daft question; very much appreciate your help.

Coupon-mad

But search the forum. Obviously their email address is on a thousand threads.

It's info@

The first 12 steps in the Template Defence thread already tells you to email it, not post.

ShadowScript

Coupon-mad said:

But search the forum. Obviously their email address is on a thousand threads.

It's info@

The first 12 steps in the Template Defence thread already tells you to email it, not post.

Thank you very much. Sent the N180 to info@dcbl. Will sit tight and wait for the mediation.

You guys rock!

Coupon-mad

I hope you didn't send it to DCBL instead of DCB Legal. Different companies.

ShadowScript

Coupon-mad said:

I hope you didn't send it to DCBL instead of DCB Legal. Different companies.

Thank you for checking in on this and might save someone else from this mistake.

I did send it to DCB Legal - same email address that was on their letter and have received an auto response from them.

Coupon-mad

Perfect!