National Parking Control Group Ltd/DCB Legal PCN – Lidl Paddock Retail Park - Defence Assistance req

stoneyfaced · 10 April at 8:45PM

Hello everyone!

Thank you for the wealth of knowledge provide on MSE. I have read through many threads and have a good grasp of what the process will entail. I plan to update this thread at each stage and would be grateful for any assistance.

Background:

- Two family members went to Lidl at Paddock Retail Park, Weybridge

- The carpark was very busy (also with trollies everywhere) so one person stayed in the car while the other person quickly went into the store

- The person remained in the car at all times and waited out of the way at the end of a row of spaces (no markings were on the ground or signs around this area highlighting not to stop there)

- There are signs in the carpark – I will attach a photo if I can – but they are not exactly prominent

- 45 days later a letter from DCBL was received – ‘notice of debt recovery – unpaid parking charge £170’

- The car is registered to an address that is not currently lived in (as it is being refurbished) but it does have a post-box

- The letter from DCBL was delivered to the parents’ address (which is where the owner of the car is currently residing)

- No parking charge notices were received at either address

- The chance to appeal had elapsed and the PCN details (photos etc) were no longer visible online

Details from the Notice of Debt recovery letter:

- Client: National Parking Control Group Ltd

- Location: Lidl Paddock Retail Park, Weybridge

- Reason for contravention: Not parking wholly within a marked bay

I followed the advice on this forum and attempted to contact the landowner (Lidl were very unhelpful!). I finally managed to track them down but they didn’t even reply unfortunately.

Current status:

- I have followed the advice on this forum and ignored the letters from DCBL

- A ‘Letter of Claim’ has now been received from DCB Legal Ltd giving 30 days to respond/pay

Plan:

- I am not sure if it is ‘POFA’ or 'non-POFA' as we do not have the actual PCN

- Consequently, I plan to send the ‘more generic’ letter on the newbies thread to info@dcblegal.co.uk

- I plan to briefly state the following reasons for disputing the claim above the two questions in the above letter:

o The registered keeper was not the driver and I do not believe their client can hold the keeper liable

o The car was stopped to drop-off and pick-up a passenger who very briefly shopped at Lidl. This was due to the very busy carpark with trollies obstructing many bays

o Unclear non-prominent signs and lines – there were no clear terms and/or double red lines or similar 'in your face' warnings where the car was stopped

o Stopping to drop-off or pick up a passenger is NOT a period of parking

o The driver was in the car and waiting at all times

Does this sound OK? Is there anything to add at this early stage?

Thank you for any feedback and I will update you at all stages (including cancellation of the PCN – fingers crossed!).

S