dcb legal letter of claim

kylefly

Hi everyone,

I've read the newbies thread and understand what template to email at this stage. I've received a letter of claim from dcb legal for using a car park without paying because the pay machines weren't working (I attempted to pay on two different machines and I was roughly 15 minutes).

Few questions:
1. Can I send the template to the basic "info" email address they supply in the letter?
2. Is it worth mentioning the attempt to pay?
3. What are the chances that this stops the claim? If it's still likely to progress, what's the risk of ignoring?

For context I received the letter today, it was dated 02/07/2025.

Thanks.

Le_Kirk

Just use the reply recommended in the NEWBIE sticky; resist the temptation to add anything.  Wait for the N1SDT claim form.  The info@dcblegal.co.uk was working recently.

kylefly

So I actually didn't end up sending the email. I went on holiday and confused myself with the deadlines due to the late letter. I came home to a claim form which I've acknowledged on MCOL.

For para 3 of the defence, thoughts on the below would be appreciated:

"On the date in question, the Defendant made reasonable attempts to pay for parking using at least two separate machines, both of which were out of order. Each machine displayed a notice indicating its non-operational status, although the exact wording is not recalled. As no functioning payment facility was available, the Defendant was unable to complete the transaction despite genuine efforts to comply."

With the help of copilot.

I know there's an app but I didn't have my phone with me, I'm usually without it. Unnecessary detail though?

1505grandad

Please post a copy of the claim form redacted i.e. no personal info , VRM, password, QE codes etc. but leave all dates showing.

Gr1pr

Post the Issue date from the top right of the claim form below 

Post a redacted picture of the POC from the lower left of the claim form below after hiding the VRM details first 

Name the private parking company claimant 

As you mention,  don't add unnecessary details to the defence,  simple and concise are OK, as is your paragraph 3

Don't submit it yet, wait for other suggestions first

kylefly

So POC are as below:

Issue Date: 07 AUG 2025

Claimant: Parkmaven Limited (through dcb legal)

POC:
1. The Defendant (D) is indebted to the Claimant (C) for a Parking Charge(s) (PC) issued to vehicle [REDACTED] at [REDACTED].
2. The dates of contravention are 01/03/2025 and the D was issued with PC(s) by the Claimant.
3. The Defendant is pursued as the driver of the vehicle for breach of the terms on the signs (the contract). Reason: No Valid Parking Session.
4. In the alternative the Defendant is pursued as the keeper pursuant to POFA 2012, Sechdule 4.
AND THE CLAIMANT CLAIMS
1. £170.00 being the total of the PC(s) and damages.
2. Interest at a rate of 8.00% per annum pursuant to s.69 of the County Courts Act 1984 from the date hereof at a daily rate of £0.03 until judgement or sooner payment.
3. Costs and court fees

Gr1pr

Login to MCOL via your government gateway account and complete the AOS online first,  today if possible 

Then adapt the recent template defence by coupon mad in announcements 

kylefly

Defence submitted.

Gr1pr

In which case,  please fill in the current government public consultation as mentioned by coupon mad in dozens of threads on here 

Coupon-mad

kylefly said:

Defence submitted.

Gr1pr said:

In which case,  please fill in the current government public consultation as mentioned by coupon mad in dozens of threads on here 

Yes please!

This month, we need you: PLEASE bookmark this thread below and do the government's Public Consultation if you haven't done it yet. Their proposals are wrong. We must stop them.

See this thread: -

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6617396/parking-code-of-practice-consultation-8-weeks-from-11th-july-2025/p1

We need every poster to come back & complete this vital Consultation before the deadline! Just 2 weeks left but please don't rush it. You can do some then save it and come back to it as you have time.

We understand that you may need some pointers. It looks laborious, we get that.

So to try to help, I've written some guidance on that thread.

Any questions on the Consultation please ask - on the dedicated thread - but I've covered up to question 20 already in that first post, openly telling everyone what I'm going to put and/or what sort of evidence you might wish to use for your response, if you agree with what we'll be saying from our experience.

Whilst your answers must of course be your own, there are vital points to safeguard motorists interests to make, that many people may not think of without our guidance because we see cases every day and we know the legal background. 

However, people like you have lived & breathed the intimidation, greed and unfairness first hand so your voice is needed!

kylefly

Update
After receiving written confirmation from the HM Courts & Tribunals Service a few weeks ago I've now received the below email from dcb legal:

Good Morning

Having reviewed the content of your defence, we write to inform you that our client intends to proceed with the claim.

In due course, the Court will direct both parties to each file a directions questionnaire. In preparation for that, please find attached a copy of the Claimant's, which we confirm has been filed with the Court.

Without Prejudice to the above, in order to assist the Court in achieving its overriding objective, our client may be prepared to settle this case - in the event you wish to discuss settlement, please call us on 0203 434 0433 within 7 days and make immediate reference to this correspondence.

If you have provided an email address within your Defence, we intend to use it for service of documents (usually in PDF format) hereon in pursuant to PD 6A (4.1)(2)(c). Please advise whether there are any limitations to this (for example, the format in which documents are to be sent and the maximum size of attachments that may be received). Unless you advise otherwise, we will assume not.

• Is there any point in discussing settlement with them?
• Where will direction come from asking me to complete the N180 form? MCOL?