DCB Legal - Parking Charge Claim - 5 years later…. Can they?!

beazel27

Hi folks

I had a lot of help from this forum last year with a parking charge claim that I’m very grateful for.

However, I’ve recently received another letter from DCB legal on behalf of ‘Smart Parking Ltd about a parking fine from Oct 2021 in Scotland stating ‘insufficient time paid.’

I remember getting a letter from them about this the first time around and I replied with proof of the parking ticket I paid at the time. From memory, as it was a bloomin long time ago… they stated that I hadn’t accounted for the time between entry and exit at the barrier …. Which was more than the paid ticket allowed for.. utterly ridiculous and not stated clearly anywhere! I paid for the time I was parked and returned to my car just as that time had expired (but still within the time frame).
I then chose to ignore a follow up letter and haven’t heard anything since (and have moved house and now live in England too!)

My question here…. Can they now come after me for this 5 years later?! Do I need to go back through the whole process for this claim too or is there some kind of statute of limitations on these things?!

Appreciate any guidance that can be offered @Coupon-mad youbwre very helpful last time so hope you don’t mind me tagging you again!

Thanks so much

Lisa

Coupon-mad

I’ve recently received another letter from DCB legal on behalf of ‘Smart Parking Ltd about a parking fine from Oct 2021 in Scotland stating ‘insufficient time paid.’ 

Your limitation period in Scotland is 5 years. DCB Legal don't litigate in Scotland, so ignore it or tell them to get lost.

beazel27

@Coupon-mad thanks so much for coming back to me so quickly!

So even though I now live in England, because the charge is related to a Scottish parking location I don’t need to worry about it?

Coupon-mad

No but I would respond and point it out (Scottish location), saying that if they try a claim in the English courts, you will either apply to strike out the claim for being outside jurisdiction (and claim fill costs as the case won't be allocated to track) or will counterclaim for data abuse and harassment.

beazel27

I should also have said it is a ‘letter of claim’ does that make any difference?

Coupon-mad

No. Respond by email as advised.

beazel27

@Coupon-mad appreciate your advice and swift response again! Thanks so much

patient_dream

Coupon-mad is correct 100%

Smart parking are well known in Scotland as Pete Wishart MP will tell you

DCBL are well known for taking on RUBBISH cases …. In Scotland send them a HAGGIS letter to stuff it up where the sun don't shine

A terrible firm who chicken out when a court spanking looms

This is an SRA problem who should ensure their members ARE NOT MONEY SCAMMERS

THE CMA must look into DCBL and the the rubbish they spit out

beazel27

@patient_dream thanks so much for confirming what was said! I really appreciate and love the idea of sending a Haggis letter 🤣🤣🤣

You made me giggle!

Thanks so much again

beazel27

IMG_6391.jpeg

@Coupon-mad @patient_dream ive constructed this response(with the help of google!). I’d appreciated your feedback to make sure I’ve covered the points correctly! Letter attached for reference too!

I am writing in response to your Letter of Claim dated 02/04/2026

.

The alleged debt is denied. The parking event in question took place in Scotland. As you are aware, Scottish law does not allow for "keeper liability" for private parking charges, as outlined in the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012. You have not identified the driver, and I am under no obligation to do so.

 

As you cannot hold the registered keeper liable under Scottish law, I invite you to close this file and cease all communication. I will vigorously defend any claim in court and will seek costs for unreasonable behaviour and data abuse

 

Further correspondence on this matter will be considered harassment.

Yours faithfully,

Coupon-mad

Very good!