DCBL Scotland - Big Mistake?

Morvalina

Hello

I think I've done something really silly as I corresponded with DCBL before finding the advice on these threads (you guys are amazing!). I used Chatgpt which gave me a letter template...

I parked in my University car park (First Parking). My payment did not go through the Ringo App which I only discovered on returning to my car at 3.30pm. I paid through Ringo then but it was obviously too late and only for 1hr 15 min. I wrote to DCBL, First Parking and my University car park office telling them this (oh dear) when just received the pcn.

I didn't receive the original PCN because it went to my old address. I therefore had no chance to appeal and the DCBL letter is for an inflated £130. I have asked all parties to erase my old address and have now changed my log book address.

Is there anything I can do now or have I blown it?

Any advice greatly appreciated.

yarpsnehpets

Did you pay for your entire stay BEFORE leaving the car park?

Woodstok2000

When you corresponded with them, did you say who was driving the car?

Morvalina

No. I was only able to pay for the rest of the day as you can't backdate on Ringo. So 1hr 15 min. I parked from 9 - 3:45. But yes I paid before leaving the car park.

Morvalina

I gave them the same info as in my original post i.e. I explained that I only realised when I returned to the car that the payment wasn't successful. So yes I did...

Woodstok2000

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82102846#Comment_82102846

That doesn't mean you were the driver. If you've not explicitly confirmed who was driving you can ignore any further communication. Theres no keeper liability in Scotland so they are highly unlikely to take this to court.

Morvalina

Thanks so much. That's a relief.

Woodstok2000

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82102859#Comment_82102859

Come back and post again in the highly unlikely event you get any formal court documents. Anything else from DCBL or any powerless debt collectors can be safely ignored.

Coupon-mad

Hang on, it's Scotland. Nothing will happen. DCB group do not do the Simple Procedure.

Importantly:

Is the uni in Scotland?

Is the old address in Scotland?

Is your new address in Scotland?

Morvalina

Yes to all of the above, thankfully.

Coupon-mad

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82103291#Comment_82103291

OK - nothing will happen - but go on DCB Ltd's portal to check that only your correct new address is shown.

I see you have already asked all parties to erase your old address and you have now changed your log book address too.

All is good. IGNORE THESE LETTERS.

Do not let a well-meaning family member pay this scam invoice!

However, spread the word:

The law will change re 'keeper liability' on private land in Scotland next year (obviously not retrospectively) and you will in future have the same rules as us in England & Wales, with (hopefully) a properly independent appeals service and scrutiny by the Government.

But you and other drivers in your family need to be aware that for new PCNs from a time tbc later in 2027, parking firms might try litigation in future.