Civil enforcement LBA dated over 6 years ago

pearlypinks*

Hello, newbie here!
This morning, I received a civil enforcement, Letter before action, for a PCN that’s dated 15th June 2020.
Apparently I parked in a car park i’ve never been in before! This was also during Covid and as a nurse, I was working that day which I can prove with digital rosters.
I’ve had no previous letters about this except one I received in May 2026 (I ignored it, oops!). I have no photo evidence of my car being there or what time this was meant to be so have no idea why they’d have my number plate!
Do I still need to reply to the letter before action? Surely this would been thrown out in court?

Any advice would be appreciated!
Thank you 🙏

MothballsWallet

IIRC, it may depend on when Civil Enforcement "discovered" the "breach" for the PCN because the statutory time limit applies from date of discovery - just because the parking event was 6+ years ago doesn't automatically preclude a LBA being sent out because they can claim "oh, we discovered the breach some time after 15th June 2020 and less than 6 years ago).

Can you please let us know the following to help:

• Where was this car park located?
• Which country of the UK do you live in?
• What "breach" is the LBA claiming for?

For example, if you live in Scotland but the car park is/was in England, that complicates things for Civil Enforcement because it becomes a cross-border claim, which has its own procedures.

Other regulars will be along to help and may have further questions - please do your best to answer them so we can help you. They know the process, so trust in them and have a look through the Newbies Thread at the top of the forum - it's called "**NEWBIES!! PRIVATE PARKING TICKET? OLD OR NEW? **READ THESE FAQS FIRST!** Thankyou!" (just go back to the Home > Motoring > Parking tickets, fines & parking page and look for the pinned thread with that title near the top of the page).

We don't give links on this forum because we like to give posters chances to get used to the forum and the search function.

Coupon-mad

Please show us the Letter of Claim. I want to see if they are threatening a court claim.

This is bound to be statute barred, going by that parking event date.

Are you also saying your car wasn't there?

GrannyKate

I don't think that is correct as I believe the clock starts from the day of the event in these cases unlike a scenario like negligence where there can be a later effective date. Do not do anything until you get advice from others on here. My post here crossed with Coupon mads post - it was the post above hers that I was questioning.

Coupon-mad

I would see it off by replying. Who wants a claim form when you don't have to, and can end it now?

Please show the Letter of Claim and is this about your car (but another driver) in a car park in E&W?

MrJenkinsEsq

The clock runs from the time of the breach.

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1980/58/section/5

pearlypinks*

So sorry I’ve taken so long to reply, I was having major issues trying to log in!
Thank you for all your replies so far.

I’ve uploaded the letter I received.

[Image removed by Forum Team]

I have no recollection of parking in this car park. I was at work that day, (despite it being during lock down). I am a nurse and was working in the local community hospital that day in Falmouth, Cornwall. I have my digital roster to prove this.
This is why I can’t understand how they’ve got my number plate?
Ive had a run in before with civil enforcement over a PCN which I resolved. I’m starting to feel like they’ve got it in for me!
Theres no photo evidence to support this and no times of alleged entry and exit from the car park.

ChirpyChicken

copy in abbas.a@creativecarpark.co.uk (their regulated solicitor) to your email.

DrLex

FYI - your registration plate details are showing in your last post. I suggest that you either edit the picture to redact it or if you can’t, report the post, and a moderator will remove the image for you.

Coupon-mad

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82197141#Comment_82197141

Please show a redacted copy. We need to see the dates clearly.

pearlypinks*

Apologies. I’ve attached a redacted copy.