Parking Charge Notice Help

nofineplease

Hi, I recently received a parking charge notice for £60 (£30 if paid early) from first parking for parking at the University of Sussex. I didn't think I should have been given the charge because I was visiting in order to participate in a study from the university and I didn't see any signs saying I had to pay for parking or that there were ANPR cameras, so I got in contact with the University to try and get it removed. I have now been sent a letter from a debt collection agency saying that I need to pay £130. The initial letter said nothing about the charge increasing to £130. I spoke to the debt collectors on the phone and they said that if I don't pay then they'd give the case back to first parking who would take me to county court. I'm still in contact with the University to try and get them to remove the charge but that doesn't seem to be getting anywhere.

I would like some advice on what I should do. How much would I be likely to have to pay if I got taken to court?

Thank you for any help!

Le_Kirk

You seem to be on the right track by complaining to the University first, for further advice, read the NEWBIE sticky.

nofineplease

Thanks for getting back to me. I have had a look at that but I seem to have done it all wrong so far because I didn't do the official appeals process and I phoned the debt collection agency.

nofineplease

Also have you got any idea how long it takes to get to the court stage? Because I am out the country until April.

Coupon-mad

They have six years to sue and F1rst Parking almost never do. It's not happening this Spring!

If they did, in the end, you'd first of all get a Letter Before Claim like you've already read about in the second post of the NEWBIES thread.

Sit tight. Do nothing except the below.

By going confidently into the 'ignore' stance, the only steps to take (because you MUST check every letter) are:

- Tell them if you move house within 6 years.

- Ignore the tedious £170 threatograms shown in pictures in the 4th post of the NEWBIES thread.

- Come back if you get a solicitor's LBC as per the 2nd post of the NEWBIES thread. Someone at home MUST open your post in your absence at any time.

Nobody pays a penny and no hearing is even needed in most cases. Search the forum and read a few cases as they are easy to beat by waiting for a claim form - it is easier than appealing, which is a pointless farce.

There is no risk AT ALL in defending a court claim. No CCJ. No bailiffs. And F1rst Parking are not known for litigation.

nofineplease

Ah that's great, thank you so much for your help!

nofineplease

@Coupon-mad I think it's amazing how much you seem to be helping everyone here, you are a true hero of the people.