Urgent help needed: Smart Parking / DCBL threatening bailiffs after default CCJ

pistachioicecream

Hi all,

I’d be really grateful for some urgent advice.

This relates to Smart Parking PCNs at Hengrove Park Leisure Centre, which I’ve seen mentioned in this similar thread:  

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6490326/ccj-set-aside-following-parking-fine/p1

I was a member of the leisure centre from 2022–2024. After they changed their parking system, I started receiving PCNs even though parking was supposed to be free for up to 3 hours for members. I always entered my details on the terminals inside the centre.

Staff told me they couldn’t help and that I had to deal directly with Smart Parking. I was never told about the option to pay a £20 admin fee to have PCNs cancelled, which other members have since reported being offered.

I appealed at least one PCN but never received a reply. After that, they chased a couple of times, then everything went quiet for a long time. I eventually didn’t renew my membership because I was worried about more PCNs.

During a very stressful period (long working hours, job loss, and a few weeks of illness), I didn’t realise I had received a Letter Before Action or a County Court Claim Form. Smart Parking have now obtained a default CCJ.

Smart Parking’s representatives, DCB Legal, are saying bailiffs will be instructed in 3 days if I don’t pay. Citizens Advice suggested I may be able to apply for a set‑aside.

I’ve attached the claim form, judgment, and DCB Legal’s latest letter.

I’d really appreciate any guidance on my chances of getting the CCJ set aside and defending the claim.

Thank you so much for any help.

  

kryten3000

Check other default threads, you may be able to settle for a lower amount with DCB Legal. They may accept £60 per PCN issued, which would be £180 assuming you had 3.

pistachioicecream

Much appreciated @kryten3000, I'll take a look

Coupon-mad

Alternatively, the CAB is correct:

Citizens Advice suggested I may be able to apply for a set‑aside.

However it will cost you £313 in court fees unless you qualify for Help With Fees.

Smart Parking’s representatives, DCB Legal, are saying bailiffs will be instructed in 3 days if I don’t pay.

I doubt it. The money is under £600, so no HCEOs will come knocking.

All they mean is that they'll pass the file to the next desk: DCBL Ltd (whose name includes the word 'bailiffs' but they aren't court bailiffs and would only send a letter or two).

However the pressing issue is that you have a CCJ, so you will have to act VERY quickly and solve it this week without fail. You have 2 days. The CCJ date is nearly a month old already. I wish you hadn't wasted time asking the CAB as you have lost days already since this judgment arrived.

You'll either need to do an application and pay a fee to set the CCJ aside or we recommend offering maybe £50 to settle the matter (which covers the claim filing fee) and negotiating with a named solicitor there, increasing your offer (a bit) to £75 to cover the judgment fee as well. All must be done by Friday morning (if settling the case) and DO NOT phone them or email info@

This negotiation must be confidently sent IMMEDIATELY to a named solicitor there. No asking us what to put or anything else. Time is of the essence if trying to settle.

If they won't budge or you can't agree a lower settlement to end it, do an application next week. Bailiffs will not appear.

@ChirpyChicken - who does this person email tonight? Urgent!

ChirpyChicken

@Coupon-mad I will message them
Not seen many genuine urgents on here!

Coupon-mad

Let me know too please. I don't think I've ever been told who to email for these negotiations.

ChirpyChicken

Coupon-mad said:

Let me know too please. I don't think I've ever been told who to email for these negotiations.

Already done!

pistachioicecream

Thank you so much @Coupon-mad and @ChirpyChicken for your quick responses and help (dm received). I’ll contact them promptly

Coupon-mad

And decide by Friday morning whether to stick (settle) or twist (application next week).

pistachioicecream

Hi @Coupon-mad / @ChirpyChicken

How long should I give DCB Legal to respond to the settlement offer? I sent a message to the addresses provided but haven’t heard anything yet.

Thanks

Coupon-mad

I already said your deadline.