Fighting ParkingEye in court - advice needed

halo7

Last April I was doing a removals job, at a pub. The pub's front door opens immediately onto a health centre car park operated by ParkingEye. Rather than block the pub entrance, I drove my van into the nearest space, still very close to the front of the pub, which was a disabled bay. I waited in the van for the client, who was (unbeknownst to me) delivering essential medication to his partner in another part of the city. He arrived perhaps 20 minutes later, we loaded the van, and left.  I was there for around 40 minutes total.  

I was either inside the van, or very close to it, the entire time. I was ready to move it at any given moment. The car park was empty, and the health centre wasn't going to open for another 40 hours or so. I believe I acted reasonably and the threats being made against me are cruel and unfair.

ParkingEye rejected my appeal, and I missed the opportunity to appeal to POPLA. I haven't heard anything from them for so many months I assumed they had dropped it. Then, nearly a year later, I received a "Claim Form" from HM Courts and Tribunals Service, demanding £210.

I (perhaps unwisely) admitted part of the claim in my response.  I hope this shows I am not unreasonable or stubborn.  I would pay the original fine of £60 at this point simply to alleviate to the stress and anxiety this is causing me.  I recently discovered my brother's corpse after his suicide and have been experiencing PTSD symptoms.  I just want this to go away, but I am also so outraged I refuse to simply roll over and hand over such a sum.

I truly didn't know I was entering a legal contract at the time.  The health centre was closed.  The area is covered in graffiti and signs may well have been too.  I assume there is some sort of access right to the pub for deliveries etc. but I'm awaiting news on this.

Nearly everyone on r/LegalAdvice told me I have no chance and will only end up paying more.  I am willing to risk this, and I need to know the best way of going about it.

Any advice whatsoever appreciated.  Thank you.

DE_612183

have you read the newbees thread?
have you contacted the health centre and asked them to get PE to cancel the charge?

Coupon-mad

I (I (perhaps unwisely) admitted part of the claim in my response.

Oh dear. Error. We never see this done and I think that means you won't go through the usual process as you haven't fully defended.

Only once have I seen a case like this and I seem to recall it was very different but no idea how. Maybe at mediation you should make an offer, assuming you get mediation.

Is it a DCB Legal claim or in-house ParkingEye?

halo7

DE_612183 said:

have you read the newbees thread?
have you contacted the health centre and asked them to get PE to cancel the charge?

Yes, I was told on r/LegalAdvice to start a new post as my case is quite specific.  I haven't contacted the health centre as I was not involved with them whatsoever - but actually it's a good idea to at least try.

halo7

Coupon-mad said:

I (I (perhaps unwisely) admitted part of the claim in my response.

Oh dear. Error. We never see this done and I think that means you won't go through the usual process as you haven't fully defended.

Only once have I seen a case like this and I seem to recall it was very different but no idea how. Maybe at mediation you should make an offer, assuming you get mediation.

Is it a DCB Legal claim or in-house ParkingEye?

I will refrain from swearing, but I want to.  I very nearly ticked "dispute entire claim" but my partner convinced me otherwise.  I assume this cannot be undone.

I want to speak to ParkingEye and make it clear I will fight them all the way, and that they could just accept the original £60 and consider it a win, but I'm yet to manage to speak to an actual human.

The letter is from HM Courts and Tribunals Service.  I responded via. government gateway.

Coupon-mad

To change it would cost three figures.

Let it play out and see if you still get mediation and can make an offer.

I'm so sorry you didn't ask us. You'd have had an answer in 5 minutes, as we are very quick to help newbies.