Debt Recovery Plus - Initial Parking Fine

TepidKen

Hi all, first time poster looking for some advice regarding a parking charge.

Back in May I received a charge notice from Initial Parking for overstaying in one of their car parks. From the ANPR camera at the entrance they detected I stayed for 10 mins longer than I’d paid for. It took me 5 minutes to find a parking space and purchase a ticket so in fact I was only 5 minutes over and I have my ticket to prove this. 

I thought the charge was unreasonable and appealed this stating the reason for overstaying the purchased time (toddler urgently needing the toilet). The appeal was unsuccessful and I was told I should have purchased another ticket to cover it. At this point as was advised to pay however it took over 28 days to reach a verdict so I couldn't. Perhaps I should have contacted Initial Parking to settle it then.

Fast forward to today and I’ve received a threatening letter from Debt Recovery Plus demanding £170 or possible court action. No doubt I’ll receive a number of these if I don’t pay with a possible outcome of it ending in a small claims court. 

I‘m reluctant to pay as I really don’t like the aggressive approach and do feel the fine is unfair but I’m wondering what the risks are if I don’t. Are they really likely to take me to court and if so what costs should I expect to pay?

LDast

The normal modus operandi of these cowboy companies is to try and scare the victim into paying by threatening litigation. They hope you are low hanging fruit on the gullible tree and will capitulate and pay up out of ignorance.

Even if/when they try a claim, they will use a firm of bottom-dwelling, robo-claim lawyers such as DCB Legal who will, as long as a defence is submitted, eventually discontinue.

With a worst case scenario, about a 1% chance, of losing in court should it ever progress that far, you would be liable for around £200. There is no chance of a CCJ on your credit record if this is paid in full within 28 days of judgement. 

As stated, the most likely scenario, about a 99% chance of being successful, is them issuing a claim but discontinuing before any hearing fee needs to be paid by them.

Please have a read of the Newbies/FAQ thread for more information.

Coupon-mad

Welcome! 

I don't understand why you seem to think you should have paid. Nobody pays Initial Parking or Debt Recovery Plus, whose letters - £170 threatograms - we never need to see.

Simply read the 4th post of NEWBIES PLEASE READ THESE FAQS FIRST.

TepidKen

Great thanks for the responses both and apologies for creating a new thread. Totally missed the NEWBIES post!

@Coupon-mad the unsuccessful POPLA made me think I should have paid, although I now realise this isn't the case. I shall ignore everything from DRP and only engage if and when I recieve any correspondence from Initial Parking. Thank you.

Coupon-mad

Or if you get a LBC from a solicitor (see post 2 of the NEWBIES thread).  Obviously you must tell Initial and their pet DRA if you move house.

HOUSER2280

Hi guys seen this post and thought I would add to it so hopefully it is still being read.

Got a PCN for being slightly over time wise at Fistral Beach.  Car park was heaving, signal was awful and had the kids, etc.  Appealed the PCN with Initial Parking which was rejected in less than 24 hours.  Escalated to POPLA who also rejected it.  I now have a letter off Debt Recovery Plus asking for £170.  Do I ignore?  Any advice is much appreciated.  Thanks

LDast

Newbies/FAQ thread is where you'll find your answer.

Fruitcake

HOUSER2280 said:

Hi guys seen this post and thought I would add to it so hopefully it is still being read.

Got a PCN for being slightly over time wise at Fistral Beach.  Car park was heaving, signal was awful and had the kids, etc.  Appealed the PCN with Initial Parking which was rejected in less than 24 hours.  Escalated to POPLA who also rejected it.  I now have a letter off Debt Recovery Plus asking for £170.  Do I ignore?  Any advice is much appreciated.  Thanks

@HOUSER Please read the sticky Announcement for NEWBIES, then start your own thread if you need further help.

Debt collectors are powerless and can safely be ignored. This is explained in the fourth post of the NEWBIES.
Do not ignore a letter of/before claim, or a court claim.

HOUSER2280

Sorry guys can someone post some links.  Appreciate the help. 

Nellymoser

NEWBIES thread is 1 of 7 Announcements on 1st page

HOUSER2280

Is it this link -

 https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4816822/newbies-private-parking-ticket-old-or-new-read-these-faqs-first-thankyou/p1

Does all this apply if I've already complained to Initial Parking and POPLA already?