Camden council have stiched me up!

[ossian]

Hi guys

How do i get my money back any ideas....?

I got my car clamped by the baliffs a couple of months ago as they had a warrent from the court because of an unpaid driving ticket. i'd turned right where i wasn't supposed to and got court on camera, camden council sent 3 ticket to my old address where my car was register which i'd forgot to change. Then, now owing £150 it went to court without my knowledge, then the baliffs. They clamped my car and demanded £575 for it release. I had to pay as i needed my car the next day to get to work.

Surely this sort of thing is against the law? Also I never recieved a ticket from the council so doesn't that make the whole thing invalid?

When i spoke to camden council they said it was my reponsiblity to register my car at the correct address. True, but surely the baliff charge can be reclaimed. does anyone know...?

Thanks for any advice anyone can give me.

[powelll]

You can check what they have charged you as it's usually locally agreed between bailiffs and court. National Standards for Enforcement Agents states that they must give a breakdown of any charges.

I have to say that court papers etc are deemed to have been served if sent to your last known address so I don't think them instructing bailiffs was unreasonable in this case as they had had no previous responses from you in relation to this matter.

Just playing devils advocate but I don't think you will get anything back unless their charges are unreasonable

[Herbie]

there are two thing here. Firstly the charge ARE NOT RIGHT.

But far more importantly you need to contact the Traffic Enforcement Centre immediately to ask for the form to register a late Stat dec. This is called an "out of time" stat dec. If as you say you did not receive the ticket, you should be succesful. If so, the ricket will revert back to the Notice to Owner stage and you get the opportunity to pay it at that stage.

With a late stat dec, the TEC will have to send you application to Camden and they have just 14 days to oppose your application. The court will then consider the matter.

If sucessful you are also entitled to apply for the return of your money.