Received Parking Fine Months After University Event – Unsure What to Do Next (DCBL / First Parking)

kleshnia

Hi everyone,

I’d really appreciate some advice.

In May, I attended an event at a university. The event terms stated that parking would be free as long as the vehicle registration number was provided at the time of booking. I parked without worrying, assuming everything was sorted.

Last week, completely out of the blue, I received a letter from Direct Collection Bailiffs Ltd (DCBL) demanding payment for an unpaid parking charge. This was the first time I was made aware that there was even a fine—I received no prior letters or notices from the parking company.

I made the mistake of contacting DCBL, and they emailed me the original PCN, which turns out to be from First Parking.

I’ve now:

• Contacted the university to check whether my registration was properly logged at the time of booking (still waiting to hear back).

• Realised I’m past the appeal stage with First Parking.

• Been told I have just 2 days left of the 14-day notice period from DCBL.

Unfortunately, First Parking has no phone number or email—only a postal address—so even sending a complaint may take weeks.

I genuinely don’t remember if I submitted my reg number, but I definitely wasn’t trying to avoid paying, and I acted in good faith based on the event’s instructions.

Does anyone know:

• What my next best step is?

• Whether I have any chance of disputing this through DCBL or First Parking now?

• If I should pay to avoid escalation, or if I still have a legitimate basis to challenge it?

Any guidance would be massively appreciated. Thank you in advance!

Coupon-mad

This happened because your V5C address was/is not up to date. You will never pay this and it's not a fine. Sort out your V5C address though because when you move it's not enough to just change your Driving Licence.

The keeper (e.g. Fred Blogs at OLD ADDRESS) could name the driver (Fred Blogs at NEW ADDRESS) which causes a fresh PCN to be issued without too much fuss, which the driver can then appeal.

No paying it.

kleshnia

Coupon-mad said:

This happened because your V5C address was/is not up to date. You will never pay this and it's not a fine. Sort out your V5C address though because when you move it's not enough to just change your Driving Licence.

The keeper (e.g. Fred Blogs at OLD ADDRESS) could name the driver (Fred Blogs at NEW ADDRESS) which causes a fresh PCN to be issued without too much fuss, which the driver can then appeal.

No paying it.

In the PCN notice emailed to me by DCBL the address is correct.

Car1980

Check your V5 though.

DCBL are powerless debt collectors. Don't be fooled by all the "if you don't pay we'll take it away" nonsense.

Their deadlines are arbitrary and of no significance.

There is no genuine appeals process through the parking co and this is just an invoice from a private company, although another appeal route is sometimes available.

Wait and see what the uni come back with.

Coupon-mad

kleshnia said:

Coupon-mad said:

This happened because your V5C address was/is not up to date. You will never pay this and it's not a fine. Sort out your V5C address though because when you move it's not enough to just change your Driving Licence.

The keeper (e.g. Fred Blogs at OLD ADDRESS) could name the driver (Fred Blogs at NEW ADDRESS) which causes a fresh PCN to be issued without too much fuss, which the driver can then appeal.

No paying it.

In the PCN notice emailed to me by DCBL the address is correct.

You mean they attached a copy?

kleshnia

Car1980 said:

Check your V5 though.

DCBL are powerless debt collectors. Don't be fooled by all the "if you don't pay we'll take it away" nonsense.

Their deadlines are arbitrary and of no significance.

There is no genuine appeals process through the parking co and this is just an invoice from a private company, although another appeal route is sometimes available.

Wait and see what the uni come back with.

Thank you! 

I’ve checked V5 and the address is correct.

that’s good to know about DCBL because i’ve been stressing out so much!

i will wait what the university say and then should i send a letter to the First Parking?? E.g . Write a complaint 

kleshnia

Coupon-mad said:

kleshnia said:

Coupon-mad said:

This happened because your V5C address was/is not up to date. You will never pay this and it's not a fine. Sort out your V5C address though because when you move it's not enough to just change your Driving Licence.

The keeper (e.g. Fred Blogs at OLD ADDRESS) could name the driver (Fred Blogs at NEW ADDRESS) which causes a fresh PCN to be issued without too much fuss, which the driver can then appeal.

No paying it.

In the PCN notice emailed to me by DCBL the address is correct.

You mean they attached a copy?

Yes sorry thats what i meant

Car1980

Not unknown for PCNs to go "missing" so the first you hear is a demand for £170. Parking companies can obviously nearly triple their profits doing this.

Castle

Car1980 said:

Not unknown for PCNs to go "missing" so the first you hear is a demand for £170. Parking companies can obviously nearly triple their profits doing this.

And take away any right of appeal!