Vehicle Controlled Services, and Private Parking

[jayne67]

Hi everyone,

Back in May, my hubby parked at the back of a disused shop. The shop has been closed for many weeks, along with numerous other shops. (Demolition order).
He arrived back at the van to find himself with a parking ticket. The reason for the ticket was that it was permit holders only.

I have today received a notice to owner (which is me) threatening court proceedings.

What I want to know, if you good people could tell me is A. Is this a valid parking notice?, and B. am I liable as I wasn't driving?

Thanks all.


Jayne

[Filthy Monkey]

Hi Jayne,

Can you provide some details of the ticket so we can determine if it is a private or council issued ticket. By the fact that they are already threatening court proceedings and trying to intimidate you, I suspect that it is the former, but best be sure so somebody can give you the correct advice.

Thanks,

FM

[jayne67]

Hi

I don't have the ticket with me at the mo, I'm at work. What I can tell you though, is that it isn't a council ticket. It looks very similar, but I remember (after furioulsy kicking off at my hubby!) that this wasn't a council issued one. I think it was something to do with the amount of the 'fine'. The name of the company chasing the ticket is Vehicle Control Services Ltd, and on checking their website VCS Parking Enforcement Specialists, it does appear that these are a private company.

Jayne

[jayne67]

Its changed the website in my post from www wheel-clamping . co .uk to the one above! Spaced out the web name so it doesnt do it again!

Jayne

[demon_x_slash]

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk...tml#post557569

[jayne67]

Hi

Thanks for the link. I have read this, but it doesn't mention anything about parking without a permit. Would the info in this thread relate to this type of offence also?

Sorry, bit of a thicko!

Jayne

[Rob S]

The ticket you have received was issued by a private parking company, so the link that Demon has posted does apply in your case. In short, they are trying it on. Just write back to them with the following:-

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing in respect of then invoice you have sent to me for when my vehicle was allegedly parked on private property on xx/xx/2007. You have written to me as the registered keeper but I should point out that the registered keeper is not responsible for payment of your invoice. That responsibility lies with the driver of the vehicle. Please take this matter up with the driver. I would appreciate it if you don't contact me again unless it is to confirm that you will not be taking the matter any further with me.

Yours faithfully,

etc etc

They will no doubt keep on at you, and try and hoodwink you into thinking that the registered keeper is responsible, and will no doubt threaten court action, but all they can do is take the matter to a county court, and the only person they can take to court is the driver. And even then all they could claim is for their actual losses. They would have to prove who was driving and whether or not a contract had been formed. It is highly unlikely they will go that far as these companies know they are on a sticky wicket.

You don't have to name the driver either as this is a private matter.

[jayne67]

Thanks for clearing that up Rob S.

Thanks for the info, will get on to them asap!

I will keep you posted!

Jayne

[jayne67]

Update

Hi all

I sent off the template letter ( see post above), disputing that I was the driver etc, and I have received a reply telling me that VCS have passed on my correspondance to Debt collect agency CCS, for issue of a summons. They have also stated that all queries must be made directly to CCS, as they will not respond to further correspondance.

Do I just hold out, what can CCS do? Do I need to write to CCS with a copy of my letter, although it does say its been passed on?
Also we have recently moved house, but didn't leave a forwarding address. The new tenant knows where I work, and have passed on my employees address. I am now receiving these letters at work.

Thanks

Jayne

[Rob S]

All the debt collection company can do is write to you claiming you owe the money. All you have to do is write back to them stating that you do not acknowledge the debt and you dispute it and that the DCA should return the case to their client. In the circumstances the DCA should return the case to VCS. They will try and bluff you and make bold statements, but it is all part of their bluster which in most cases is not backed up by law.

[jayne67]

Thanks Rob_S.

Will write to them asap. Your advice is much appreciated.

Jayne