BW legal - letter of claim

absidoodledandy

Hi - i got a parking charge in the post jun last year, id bought a valid ticket and displayed it but the machine only recorded the first 4 digits of my car reg. i appealed via IAS, admitting i was the driver, which was dismissed. Received various demands for payment from the company (UK car park manangement ltd) and then solicitors, BW legal, which ignored. On 1st may i got a letter of claim which i also initially ignored but after reading the newbie thread here have now realised i should respond to it. Deadline is 31st May so cutting it a bit fine so looking for help on what to say. I was going to send the standard response recommended on the newbie thread but wasnt sure if it applied as i have admitted i was the driver? Also wasnt sure what email address to use as theres no named solicitor on the letters.

draft response below - is this suitable?

Dear Sirs,

Your Ref. PCN xxxxx
Proposed Legal Proceedings
Claimant: UK Car Park Management Ltd

I refer to your letter of claim.

I confirm that my address for service for the time being is as follows, and any older address must be erased from your records:

XXXX

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').

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

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 consider 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?

Coupon-mad

That's fine.  You'll need to search the forum for BW Legal's email.

absidoodledandy

Ok great, thankyou. And i found their email address