Received DCB Legal Letter of Claim

SWA2019 · 25 June at 4:36PM

Hi all,

It's my first time on this Thread so go easy on me please, I'm just trying to sort this issue out.

To summarise, I've been going to a retail centre for a few years and they had changed to a barrier less system which I didn't realise. I go there quite often and when I had realised, I started paying straight away.

They sent me PCNs for the initial few days that were missed, I ignored these and pleaded to management to sort it out for me. This failed and they were of no help and had gone past appeal.

I just ignored any correspondence from then on which I know I shouldn't have. Now, I've received the dreaded DCB legal Letter of claim. I have emailed the template found in the newbies sticky thread to info@dcblegal.co.uk.

Is there anything else I need to do, Will I be able to beat this or should I just pay. Because it's more than one day, the charge is very expensive now. Letter attached below and response I sent below.

"Dear Sirs,

Your Ref. xx
Proposed Legal Proceedings
Claimant: Parkmaven Ltd

I refer to your letter of claim.

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

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:

xx

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".

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 cost added to the original amount represents what you lot dress up as a 'Debt Recovery' fee, and if so, is this net 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: are these damages, or will it be pleaded as consideration for parking?

Yours faithfully

xx"