G24 DCB Legal court claim 2025

Potatopotatopotato

I've received a Letter of Claim from DCB Legal acting for G24 Ltd.  The parking charge is from August 2019, with the reason as exceeding the maximum duration of stay.

The letter is dated the 20th of March, I was away when it got sent out.

I've read through the newbie thread and if I've understood the advice correctly the next step is to email them.  I assume it would be best to wait till near the end of the 30 day period?  I've cobbled together the following from what I've read, I'd be grateful if you could let me know if I've gotten it right?

Dear Sirs,

Your Ref. ############
Proposed Legal Proceedings
Claimant: DCB legal Ltd (or is this G24?)

I refer to your your letter of claim.

I confirm that my address for service for the time being - assuming you don't faff about and delay any claim - is as follows, and any older address must be erased from your records:
(My address)

The alleged debt is disputed and any court proceedings will be vigorously defended.

I am sourcing and seeking independent debt advice and as such, I formally request that this matter be put on hold for an additional 30 days, in accordance with the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims 2017 ('the PAP').

The issue date was nearly six years ago and I have no idea what it refers to.  I was the registered keeper of the vehicle in August 2019. I am not obliged to identify the driver and I decline to do so. As there is no legal presumption that the keeper of a vehicle was its driver on any particular occasion, your client cannot pursue me as driver (see VCS v Edward, 2023).

I note that the amount being claimed has increased by a hugely exaggerated amount which the Government called "extorting money from motorists".

Don't send me your usual blather about that.
I have two questions, and under the PAP I am entitled to specific answers:

1. Am I to understand that the additional £70 represents what you lot dress up as a 'Debt Recovery' fee, and if so, is this nett or inclusive of VAT? If the latter, would you kindly explain why I am being asked to pay the operator’s VAT?

2. With regard to the principal alleged PCN sum: Is this damages, or will it be pleaded as consideration for parking?

Yours faithfully

----‐--

I haven't had any previous contact with the companies involved.  During Covid I didn't hear anything.  About a year ago I started getting shake down letters, which I presumed was the companies trying to spook people before the six year deadline.

While it is close, I assume there is still plenty of time for DCB to get a CCJ processed?

Are there any particular emails at DCB that I should include when I send the email?

I'd be grateful for any advice, thanks.

Gr1pr

There are a lot of these last gasp cases at the moment 

Yes, email the LoC template response to DCB Legal on day 29, no changes at all, no additions either 

They cannot issue a ccj,  it's an impossibility , but they can and do issue court claims on behalf of various parking companies 

Study the following comments seeing as you dont appear to understand the process 

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81382407#Comment_81382407

Coupon-mad

I wouldn't.

I would ask a specific question about evidence and NOT YET USE the 30 day hold card. 

Le_Kirk

........ and I wouldn't mention the "nearly six years ago"

Coupon-mad

Le_Kirk said:

........ and I wouldn't mention the "nearly six years ago"

Totally agree!

Potatopotatopotato

So from what you guys have said, it'd be best to take out that whole "The issue date was six years ago" paragraph?

Also, would the Claimant be DCB or G24?

Gr1pr said:

There are a lot of these last gasp cases at the moment 

Yes, email the LoC template response to DCB Legal on day 29, no changes at all, no additions either 

They cannot issue a ccj,  it's an impossibility , but they can and do issue court claims on behalf of various parking companies 

Study the following comments seeing as you dont appear to understand the process 

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81382407#Comment_81382407

So at this point, am I correct in thinking that they might not even proceed with a court claim?  I had thought from what I read that it meant that they were going to proceed with the courts after the 30 day period.


Coupon-mad said:

I wouldn't.

I would ask a specific question about evidence and NOT YET USE the 30 day hold card. 

When would be the best time to use it?  On day 29? Or to save for later in this process, such as with court proceedings?

What do you all think might be the likely outcome here?   Is it possible they may back off after the LoC?  Basically going after easier targets as it were?  Is there a common pattern that would be expected by DCB legal?

As it's just over four months until the six year point, would this realistically provide me with any protection?  Is it possible that I may need to utilise anything else like the 30 day hold to delay things?

Thanks very much to all of you for your replies.

Coupon-mad

You are replying on day 30.

You are merely asking a question asking for evidence, not sending the template yet.

Potatopotatopotato

Coupon-mad said:

You are replying on day 30.

You are merely asking a question asking for evidence, not sending the template yet.

Okay, I'll email them at that time (probably the Friday as day 30 falls on a Saturday).

At this point is it likely they will begin court proceedings?  Or is this a typical tactic to try and scare people into paying?

ChirpyChicken

No you will get a court claim
It isn't a problem 

Gr1pr

G24 Parking is the claimant,  always has been in your case, the fact that they are employing a sub contractor lawyer company to do the legal side heavy lifting is normal practice for these companies   ( you could engage your own lawyers if you wanted to  !  But economically it doesn't usually make financial sense   )

You are asking questions as a delaying tactic, but they are well aware of the looming 6 year deadline so are very likely to issue a court claim against you on behalf of G24.  That way it will result in closure, one way or the other 

Its currently a game in progress and the process is ongoing,  so even with the delaying tactics its very unlikely to be discontinued and almost inevitable that a court claim pack from the CNBC in Northampton using MCOL will arrive with you in due course,  so no false hopes,  prepare for the long game 

Coupon-mad

Play the game. Delay.