Civil Enforcement Ltd County Court Claim | Defence Help Needed

LegalLearnerUK

Hi everyone,

I’m hoping someone can help me as I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed by the court process.

I’ve received a County Court claim from Civil Enforcement Ltd regarding a parking charge at a KFC car park, and I’ve already filed an Acknowledgement of Service. I’m now at the defence stage.

I’ve read through the NEWBIES thread, but I’m struggling to work out which parts apply to my particular case.

A brief summary:

• The parking event was at a KFC car park managed by Civil Enforcement Ltd.
• I appealed the original Parking Charge Notice.
• My POPLA appeal was unsuccessful.
• I have now received a County Court claim.
• I have acknowledged service and understand I now need to file a defence.

I’m not looking to ignore the claim. I want to defend it properly and would really appreciate some guidance on the best approach.

Could someone let me know:

• Which defence template I should be using?
• What information do you need from me?
• Whether there are any particular defence points I should be looking at for a Civil Enforcement Ltd claim?

I’m happy to upload a redacted copy of the claim form and the Particulars of Claim if that would help.

Thank you very much for any advice.

Gr1pr

Post the Issue date from the top right of the claim form below

Post a redacted picture of the POC from the lower left of the claim form below too

Then we can advise you

LegalLearnerUK

Hello, thanks for your response.

I have attached the paperwirk

Many thanks

Gr1pr

CEL in-house claim, issue date 26th June for an overstay past the 90 minutes allowed ( breach pleaded. )

Use the 10 paragraph template defence, adapting paragraphs 2 & 3

You didn't redact the reference number or password, so i have reported that picture for deletion

LegalLearnerUK

ok thank you i will do that now

Le_Kirk

With an issue date of 26/06/26 and having completed the AoS in a timely manner your defence deadline date is 4.00 p.m. on 29/07/26

LegalLearnerUK

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82064652#Comment_82064652

Thanks for confirming the deadline. I'm writing the letter now using the template as suggested.

Le_Kirk

You are not writing a letter I hope but using the Defence box on MCOL.

LegalLearnerUK

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82065199#Comment_82065199

Yes, I’ll be using the defence process rather than sending a letter. Thank you for checking :)

LegalLearnerUK

Hello, I've now completed the current 10-paragraph template defence and have only amended paragraphs 2 and 3 as advised. Before I submit via MCOL, would someone mind checking that my amended paragraphs are suitable for this CEL claim? Thank you.

Paragraph 2

2. It is admitted that the Defendant was the registered keeper of the vehicle. Liability is denied for the entirety of the claim.

Paragraph 3

3. The Particulars of Claim allege that the vehicle exceeded the maximum permitted stay at the location. Liability is denied. The Defendant disputes that the Claimant has established a legally enforceable entitlement to the sum claimed and puts the Claimant to strict proof of every element of its case, including the existence of a binding contract, the adequacy and prominence of the signage, its authority to issue and enforce parking charges at the site, and its entitlement to recover the additional sums claimed.

Gr1pr

To be clear, Use ALL of paragraph 2, adding the above as the ending