Smart Parking claim via DCB Legal? Group info thread

Umkomaas

Just wanted to make sure that the steps now are to do absolutely nothing and ignore them and their debt collectors entirely until IF we get a court claim form?

Absolutely spot on. Excellent research. It’s going to take some time, but patience and resilience will win.

The only thing you need to do at any stage (until it’s all over) is to inform Smart (and any third party getting involved on their behalf) of any change of address. The last thing you want is a court claim going to a former address, with you blissfully unaware, until you start having difficulty accessing credit because of a hitherto unknown CCJ.

Gr1pr

Welshpixie

I suggest that you start your own thread, because this thread is about defending a court claim

You will need your own thread when the Letter of Claim giving you 30 days notice followed by a Money Claim happen in the future

But

You will probably be using the 11 paragraph defence template by meltof posted on 12th April 2026

mikespike2

Thanks all. I've used the template from @Meltof and have now been sent a N180. I seem to remember some specific guidance about how to fill this in - but can't find it anymore - any help appreciated.

Gr1pr

Top of the forum in the defence template thread, 1st post, follow the 8 steps

simonsez2016

Hi , I today received a “ judgement for claimant “ from smart parking “ dcb legal ltd

I have tried to follow the steps but when I try the aos respond to claim on the gov site , my claim number isn’t recognised as it starts N1K and not three numbers required . so now stuck at the first hurdle , if anyone could help it would be very appreciated , this is from pulling into a dark car park late at night for no more than 10 minutes in 2021 , I haven’t heard anything for years now I’ve moved address and being hounded, my credit score has just improved loads so really want to avoid a ccj and appreciate the help and information I’ve seen on here . Thank you

Gr1pr

@simonsez2016

Please Start a new thread with your query above, for bespoke advice

simonsez2016

ok thank you, I think it may be because the claimant has judgment and I didn’t reply to the claim form so am screwed

GotMeAFine

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81959679#Comment_81959679

I'll try to be short and concise to avoid boring those who help with further repetition!

I'm currently trying to help my mother fight off a claim from 3 years ago for over £300.

I simply copied and pasted the quoted into a full defence.

All good? I/we now wait for 6 months or so?

Gr1pr

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82148371#Comment_82148371

Just keep following the 8 steps in the defence template thread in announcements near the top of the forum

There are several steps after the defence has been filed, including the submission by email of the completed N180 DQ document, and the mediation stage, all within 2 or 3 months of the defence being submitted

So no, not 6 months

GotMeAFine

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82148386#Comment_82148386

Thank you Gr1pr.

Couple of quick questions based on what I saw in those 8 steps/what you've said above:

If it came to it and the below happened, I assume my mother wouldn't need to go through that silliness and I could go?

Will you have to attend a hearing? Rarely! Usually, the PPC discontinues; very common with DCB Legal! Will that hearing be at Northampton?  NO!  That's just a central starting point for claims.  If you are an individual, you get the choose your local court. You do NOT want your case 'heard on the papers'. You want a hearing because that tends to see most cases discontinued.

Also, in what form does next correspondence tend to come? I've attached my email/mobile number to the defence, but it's still her address for anything physical. Just want to be on top of what to look out for…