Looking for advice about PCN / Letter Before Claim

tech_guy_11

The driver was attending a baby hospital appointment and first entered/parked in the first parking area/bay near Leen Gate. They tried for around 10–15 minutes to pay, including trying the machine/app, but the machine/payment system wasn’t working properly. The area/bay also seemed uneven/damaged and it was stressful because of the appointment.

Someone in orange hi-vis nearby said the machines there don’t work and advised using the next parking area the entrance of all those parking areas is the same.

The driver then moved to the next bay/area, P2 Leen Gate, and paid there. they have proof of that payment.

I attached the confusing parking layout images from Google Maps. I parked in # 1 first and machine was not working, and around 10-15 minutes I tried to pay but then left parking and parked #2 parking in the image.

CEL are now chasing £170. Also moved address, so I missed the original letters and only received this at my new address. My V5C/logbook had not been updated straight away, but I have now applied to update it.

Has anyone dealt with CEL at this exact Leen Gate/QMC location where there are different car parks/machines close together? What are the best next steps.

Any guidance would be appreciated.

Gr1pr

I havent seen any posts about that location

But

Regardless of the circumstances, I can provide general advice as to what you should be doing

If you study the NEWBIES thread in announcements near the top of the forum by coupon mad, then as a newbie yourself then you need to know the following

You should have tried plan A as soon as you heard about it, complaining to PALS at QMH and trying to get it cancelled ASAP, regardless of the length of time

Also complaining by email to your local MP too, because they may be able to help you

Please note, not receiving paperwork is no defence, because its not CELLS fault that the V5c wasn't updated, or that the pcn went to the address held by the DVLA

But

That doesn't mean that you dont have a good defence, based on legal pleadings and laws and with our help you should win in the end, but CEL will issue a Money Claim if you dont get a cancellation quickly

So study post 2 in the newbies sticky thread in announcements, followed by posts 1 & 2 in the defence template thread in announcements near the top of the forum

GrannyKate

I don't think Pals will be able to help as I don't think those car parks belong to the hospital.

Gr1pr

Thanks, in which case complain to the landowner or landlord instead ( plan A )

Coupon-mad

But ultimately just ignore them until you get a claim.

tech_guy_11

@Gr1pr Thanks for your response. Does anyone know the landowner or managing agent for Leen Gate Convenience Car Park / 2 Leen Gate, Nottingham NG7 2LX?

tech_guy_11

I got some questions:
- Should I ask CEL to reset the PCN to appeal/POPLA stage because I missed the original letters due to moving address, even though the V5C had not been updated immediately?
- Should I send both a SAR and a separate address-erasure email to CEL’s DPO?

Coupon-mad

Yes to both questions.

kryten3000

Yes, but if they reset the clock or offer the discounted amount, that does not mean you should pay.
No one should pay Civil Enforcement.