I've received a DCB Legal Letter of Claim

*_pinkspidah_*

Hello to all those who read this. I am seeking clarity on my next steps and would appreciate your help. I got a letter of claim from DC Legal:



Regarding this:

I responded by email on the 26th of November, with the following:

I refer to your letter of claim.

I confirm that my address for service for the time being - assuming you don't delay any claim - is as follows, and any older address must be erased from your records: *************

The alleged debt is disputed, and any court proceedings will be vigorously defended.

I do not recognise the location of the alleged contractual breach and am unsure who was driving, except to know that it was not me, the Registered Keeper.

I note that the amount claimed appears to be hugely exaggerated, which the Government called 'extorting money from motorists'. Please don't send me your usual rhetoric regarding this. 

I have two questions under the Pre-Action Protocol, to which I am entitled specific answers:

1. Is the additional 'Debt Recovery' fee net or inclusive of VAT? If the latter, would you explain why I am being asked to pay the operator’s VAT?

2. Concerning the principal alleged PCN sum, could you let me know if this is damages, or will it be pleaded as consideration for parking?

I look forward to answers as soon as possible, as you are obligated to under the Pre-Action Protocol.

I then received this response on the 4th of December:

We write to acknowledge safe receipt of your formal response to our Letter of Claim sent to you in respect of this matter.

Having considered your response, our position in respect of this matter remains as per our Letter of Claim. We note that despite your points of dispute, there is an absence of any evidence in support of the same so that we may consider this with our Client. If you do have evidence which you believe supports your dispute, please furnish us with the same within the 30 days afforded to you.

As it stands, the initial 30 day timeframe under the Pre-Action Protocol remains, and County Court proceedings will be issued following expiry of this 30 day period, without any further reference to you.

We strongly recommend that you contact a member of our dispute resolution team on 0203 838 7038, as a matter of urgency so we may discuss this matter with you and avoid a Claim being issued against you.

I believe I have until the 13th of December to submit anything further. 

Many thanks for your assistance with this.