PCN for overstay in Retail Park due to blown tyre - challenged - POPLA say I have to pay!

ChirpyChicken

itsthelittlethings said:

If you don’t pay your credit rating may get trashed. People on here are very keen not to pay at all costs, all I can say is how much did two new tyres cost you? More than a parking fine I expect.

Terrible advice.  Obviously does not know about private parking tickets. 

James_Poisson

itsthelittlethings said:

If you don’t pay your credit rating may get trashed. People on here are very keen not to pay at all costs, all I can say is how much did two new tyres cost you? More than a parking fine I expect.

As above that is not accurate advice, there is no debt it is only alleged, these bottom feeding debt collectors work on a no win no fee basis. If it gets to court these fees are usually thrown out and they have not actually collected anything anyway.

The other clue to your lack of knowledge in this is calling this speculative charge a "fine". No private parking company can issue fines, that word will not figure on any sign or paperwork, the joint COP expressly forbids the use of the words fine, penalty, offence, illegal, violation etc.

We know that debt collectors are nasty bullies that sail close to the wind, that's no reason to cow down to them though!

Duke1999

Even if this escalated to a civil court case, you'd likely win, especially with the backing of this forum.

The advice from Itsthelittlethings is seriously misguided.

I’ve personally received council parking tickets when my car broke down, and once I provided proof, like a receipt for the replacement part, they cancelled the ticket immediately. They understand that mechanical failure is beyond your control, and any judge would find it hard to argue otherwise.

Also, don’t mistake this for a formal penalty like a council-issued parking fine. It’s just an invoice. Even in the unlikely event you lost in court, the cost would still be lower than what they’re demanding, and if paid within 30 days, there’d be no CCJ and no impact on your credit rating.

Coupon-mad

@JBsunny1234

You won't be paying this, ever.

See post 4 of the NEWBIES thread.

itsthelittlethings you would do well to read that too because your advice is wrong.

JBsunny1234

Wow. Thanks all so much for the contribution, this forum is amazing and grateful for all the direction and guidance 🙏

Apologies for delay in reply - forces background and was on task. 

Regarding the signage - I “Chat GPT” it and it says Minster Baywatch but I will visually check this weekend. 

I will recheck post 4 of the newbies @Coupon-mad thanks 

Umkomaas

Regarding the signage - I “Chat GPT” it and it says Minster Baywatch but I will visually check this weekend. 

I admit to not being AI 'literate', but how does Chat GPT' know what a parking firm's signage says at that particular site?  If it truly does, I think I'm ready to step off this planet! 😂

JBsunny1234

Evening Forumites,

Hope everyone had a good Christmas 😊

I’m following up on my earlier thread as I’ve now received a letter from a solicitor (redacted) threatening legal action unless payment is made.

At the time of the alleged parking event, the vehicle was immobilised due to two blown tyres. I was awaiting RAC assistance and therefore unable to move the vehicle without risking safety. I hold RAC documentation confirming attendance and timings.

My question is: should I respond directly to the solicitor, providing evidence of this mitigation, or continue to ignore correspondence unless a formal Letter of Claim is issued?

For completeness, I informed both POPLA and the operator (Minster) that I was not the driver, only the registered keeper. Driver liability has not been established.

Any guidance on next steps would be appreciated.

Thanks 🙏

JBsunny1234

Page 2 of document 

Coupon-mad

Yes reply with those 2 points and tell them you will counterclaim if they try a claim.

Umkomaas

or continue to ignore correspondence unless a formal Letter of Claim is issued?

That is a Letter of Claim (aka Letter Before Claim) so it needs a response as per the NEWBIES FAQ Announcement, post number TWO.  

Next will be an actual Claim via MCOL. That will also need a formal response as per NEWBIES FAQ Announcement, post number TWO, and the Template Defence Announcement 8 steps to dealing with any Claim.