DCB Legal, Elite Parking court claim

Jin1

Hello Everyone, I have received a letter of claim (LoC) from DCB legal in respect of elite car parking management limited at Eddington, and given

I’ve read Post 2 in the newbies section, which is useful thank you but would appreciate a clarification on the template letter. we initially struggled to remember any alleged parking issue as it was last year so I had to match the dates to events. From my recollection, the hall in Eddington was hired for a community event where we set up a stall. At the end of the event, we parked at the side of the hall, which is standard practice for people hiring the venue - for less than 10 minutes specifically to load up our stall items into the car. So I was shocked to have received a fine for this, stating "stopped/parked in a restricted zone" as per the LoC.

I intend to use the template letter to response rather than using the replyform stated in LoC as per Post 2. But, I am also wondering if I should I ask them to provide evidence of the contravention first or just stick strictly to the template letter in newbie post 2 for now. Thank you.

Gr1pr

Stick to the template response, no changes, its that simple because this stage is merely the starters, not significant

Coupon-mad

Say what you like to them, or even ignore the LBC completely. Nothing you say stops (nor is our version designed to stop) the Claim Form, which is the stage you want.

The template is written like it is deliberately, to stop people shooting their toes off by saying who was driving and providing 'evidence', thus showing themselves to be a bit naive to the scam.

Better to let them realise you are on MSE. It's a numbers game to them. Play the game!

Jin1

Thanks for the responses @Coupon-mad and @Gr1pr
I will use the template under (Here's a more generic one to the solicitor (or operator if they sent the LOC themselves) in Post 2 and update you with their response.

Also, I have searched the forum for DCB legal email address, and I found these: paul@dcblegal.co.uk, danielle@ or info@ from a 2022 post, I will send the response to info@dcblegal.co.uk ( if anyone is aware of any changes to the email please advice)
Thanks.

Jin1

Hello @Coupon-mad and @Gr1pr
Thanks for your help. I sent the the letter to info@ as planned (with address and other information provided as per template). I got a response (below) that appears like the purpose is to switch to email comms, is this an antipattern, what do you suggest?
—
We thank you for your recent email.

We take the confidentiality of our matters very seriously and as a result, we ask you to answer the following security questions in full before we can correspond with you via email.

Please could you confirm:

• Your full name
• First line of your address
• Postcode

By responding to this email, you consent for us to use this email address for communication in relation to your case, this may contain information that is personal to you. When communicating by email, please remember that it may be ‘unsecure’. If at any time, you no longer wish for your personal information to be communicated by email, or you no longer have access to this mailbox, please notify us immediately.

Should you prefer to discuss this matter on the telephone, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0203 838 xxx.

Gr1pr

Its data protection actually, you have to prove that YOU are the correct respondent

Jin1

Thank you @Gr1pr I previously provided my name and full address in my email to them, and they already have this information on their LoC . I wasn't sure why they were requesting it again along with consent to switch to email.

That said, if you agree there is no harm in switching to email communication, I will reply to them and provide those details.

Coupon-mad

Yep it's easier.

Jin1

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82041322#Comment_82041322

Thanks for your help. I received a response by email, simply reiterating their position as per the LoC, demanding payment and further stating that 'Failure to make payment may result in a Claim being issued against you without any further reference' etc

What is best to do at this stage @Coupon-mad and @Gr1pr. ? Just note the email and wait?

Gr1pr

Correct, wait for the next stage

Jin1

Hello @Gr1pr , @Coupon-mad
I have now received a county court claim form issued on 30th July with a response expected within 14 days and requested to complete either an admission form, a defence and counterclaim form or acknowledgement of service.


What would you recommend as the best next step here? Am I limited to the options above, or is there an alternative approach? Thanks for your help!