Notice of Proposed Allocation to the Small Claims Track

casper82

Hello, I'd really appreciate your advice. 
I received a PCN fine back in November 2023 for parking at Tesco's.
The fine was issue by "HORIZON PARKING LIMITED". 
HORIZON later escalated to Gladstone Solicitors limited.
I received a claim form for 253£.
I follow the guide to MCOL and acknowledged service ('AOS').
I submitted my defence via email using this template: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81199155/#Comment_81199155

Couple days ago I received a letter "Notice of Proposed Allocation to the small claims track" . I am not certain what this means or what to do now, there is a 8x pages directions questionnaire attached to this letter.

Coupon-mad

Go back to the thread you linked! 

casper82

Hello Coupon-mad, thank you for check in on my case. I reviewed the thread I linked, but can't find any information on "N180" questionnaire nor on "Notice of Proposed Allocation to the small claims track".
Sorry but all these terms and processes are totally foreign to me.
Would you mind elaborating on what this letter means and what is the best course of action for me at this stage ?

casper82

OK I think I found information about it here (still need a bit of hand holding):
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4816822/newbies-private-parking-ticket-old-or-new-read-these-faqs-first-thankyou

There is section where it starts with:

"IMPORTANT - KNOW WHAT YOU MUST DO AND BY WHEN!

The first 8 steps are set out in the Template Defence thread including how to submit your N180 Directions Questionnaire, so please don't ask about the early stage forms!

There will be:
(a) Directions Questionnaire (N180) stage - an easy form - EMAIL IT as per the Template Defence thread first 8 steps."

So I need to take it from here right now right ?

casper82

lol OK, never mind I found it in the original link I submitted under the " Directions Questionnaire from ", thanks Coupon-mad.

"Wait for your own Directions Questionnaire from the CNBC and then complete & email it to the CNBC (see box below for the DQ email) and cc in the info@ address for the legals acting for the Claimant. It's a simple form but all the DQ answers are here:"

Coupon-mad

Yep. Just follow the 8 steps.

Then, once this little form is in:

Please read this message and do the vital,  current Public Consultation in time:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81552148/#Comment_81552148

It's important that the Government hears from people with unfair charges who are facing horrific, scary court claims.

The link shows the two vital points to concentrate on, IMHO:

- banning DRA fee add-ons completely

- making sure a new SINGLE appeals service replaces POPLA and the IAS which are seen as not fully independent and involved in a 'race to the bottom'.

Click through to the main thread about the Consultation, Do not be deterred by the fact that some questions are for the parking industry only.

We are discussing how to respond. The issues above are the main ones. Please join us in doing this Consultation. This is your one chance to make a difference re the proper regulation of private parking.

We'll discuss it further next week on the main thread about the Public Consultation. Stick around please. 

casper82

thank you Coupon-mad, will do

casper82

I've now completed the DQ form, and emailed it to DQ.CNBC@justice.gov.uk as well as gladstone solicitors.
AFAIK the next step would be Mediation call. I read in other forums that the Mediator had asked questions on how would you defend yourself at court, basically to summarise my defence. What's the best way to answer such question ? Do I just say that I filed my defence (the 6x pages 33 paragraph long) and that's what I would use at a hearing ?

Gr1pr

Dont discuss the case,  concentrate on either NO OFFER, NO DISCUSSION,  or possibly offer very low amounts like £10 etc

Mediation is about trying to agree a monetary settlement figure between the 2 parties,  or no offer, see you in court 

Study recent cases and the advice by coupon mad in announcements regarding Mediation 

Its about money,  not the case

Coupon-mad

casper82 said:

I've now completed the DQ form, and emailed it to DQ.CNBC@justice.gov.uk as well as gladstone solicitors.
AFAIK the next step would be Mediation call. I read in other forums that the Mediator had asked questions on how would you defend yourself at court, basically to summarise my defence. What's the best way to answer such question ? Do I just say that I filed my defence (the 6x pages 33 paragraph long) and that's what I would use at a hearing ?

Three minute call.

No discussion because GLADSTONES FAILED TO PLEAD A BREACH. The claim should be struck out. I would tell the Mediator they are being duped if they and their colleagues believe private parking claimants' representatives' rubbish.

Tell the Mediator that this case is a complete waste of everyone's time and you hope the Mediators are passing this honest information onto their senior team.

Polite "goodbye". Phone down!

Parking firms and their dubious law firms are a national disgrace and a drain on Society, in terms of money and anxiety.

Do come back for the Public Consultation which is far more important than joke mediation of a 'debt' you don't owe!

Car1980

Looking forward to Tesco getting a court claim from someone eventually.

That'll put the cat amongst the pigeons.

I sued Three once. Amazing how quickly they capitulated and paid me to go away.

For a measly £35 it's worth thinking like DCB Legal. You can always discontinue at the eleventh hour.