What's my worst case scenario?

Thehorsewithnoname

Hi. I made the mistake of identifying myself as the driver. I am probably in breach of the rules (clear signs, etc.) but I've been pig-headed about this because (I'll save you the story) the fine is incredibly unfair and unreasonable given the circumstances. I'm currently ignoring the debt collector letters. My latest appeal to the land owner has resulted in me being given a reduction by the parking firm to £100 (original fine which I ignored was £60) as long as I pay in the next few days. My question is, does this phrase:

1. You can claim your costs if you win, the hearing might never happen and you risk nothing (no CCJ, no huge costs) by defending, because if you were among the handful who report a loss here you'd have 30 days to pay ... and less than on the claim form (£185 - £212 total).

mean that my worst case scenario if I lose in court is £212?

Apologies if this is answered elsewhere. I've searched and searched.

I don't want to miss this chance of a reduction to £100 only to find that the parking firm does go to court and that my costs are way higher. I'm prepared to be stubborn but need to know my worst case scenario?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Gr1pr

Name the private parking company claimant

Ignore the powerless debt collectors letters too

Yes, a typical loss in court for a single pcn is approximately double the amount of the pcn, so say. £212, if you actually lost in civil court, at a court claim hearing in front of a judge

That phrase is 100% accurate

Thehorsewithnoname

Thanks Gr1pr. The company is UK Car Park Management.

Coupon-mad

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81871751#Comment_81871751

My relative is currently happily ignoring them. He has been for 4 years. Has had a Gladstones LBC a year ago. No claim.

The worst case scenario is £212 as long as a Defendant doesn't act unreasonably (such as if a case reaches a hearing, then the D fails to attend).

Sit tight. You aren't paying £100.

Thehorsewithnoname

Hi. I have now received a Letter of Claim from BWLegal.

I see on your newbies posts that this means 'a claim IS likely'? I also see your templates for a robust email response. Are you saying that (1) the chances of this going to court have just increased significantly but (2) a robust response might just head them off?

Many thanks for your continued support.

Gr1pr

It doesn't just "go to court "

Use the LoC response template to B W Legal, which is mainly to confirm the correct address for the service of papers, not to head them off

Its likely to end with a Money Claim via the CNBC in Northampton using MCOL, where you will receive an N1SDT claim pack from the CNBC in Northampton arriving by post

After several steps it will go to your local civil court, who will write to both sides with instructions

If the parking company or lawyers pay for a hearing, by payment of a hearing fee, only then will a slot in court be inked in

So It will go to court, eventually, once a Money Claim is issued, but it may or may not result in an actual hearing

patient_dream

Now it's with BWLegal, there are two points to understand

1: THE SIGNS- I see you think the signs are OK … most are not. Can you post a photo so we can see

2:THE FAKE ADD-ON … BWLegal will have added a FAKE AMOUNT which is a fotm of DOUBLE RECOVERY which the courts do not allow

I have been to court 3 times for BWLegal claims (helping a few people on here).

One where they added a fake charge and the case was dismissed and costs awarded

Two were about the signs …. both cases were dismissed and again costs were awarded by the judge. The judge called the parking firms A REGIME

Play the game and follow the advice on here

Coupon-mad

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82121546#Comment_82121546

Please could you now edit your thread title to remove your current words and instead show useful information including the parking firm's name and solicitor who issued the LBC and when. It'll help us every time you reply.

🙂