Jump to content


  • Tweets

  • Posts

    • Yep, I read that and thought about trying to find out what the consideration and grace period is at Riverside but not sure I can. I know they say "You must tell us the specific consideration/grace period at a site if our compliance team or our agents ask what it is"  but I doubt they would disclose it to the public, maybe I should have asked in my CPR 31.14 letter? Yes, I think I can get rid of 5 minutes. I am also going to include a point about BPA CoP: 13.2 The reference to a consideration period in 13.1 shall not apply where a parking event takes place. I think that is Deception .... They giveth with one hand and taketh away with the other!
    • Six months of conflict have also taken a heavy economic toll.View the full article
    • the Town and Country [advertisments ] Regulations 2007 are not easy to understand. Most Council planing officials don't so it's good that you found one who knows. Although he may not have been right if the rogues have not been "controlling" in the car park for that long. The time only starts when the ANPR signs go up, not how long the area has been used as a car park.   Sadly I have checked Highview out and they have been there since at least 2014 . I have looked at the BPA Code of Practice version 8 which covers 2023 and that states Re Consideration and Grace Periods 13.3 Where a parking location is one where a limited period of parking is permitted, or where drivers contract to park for a defined period and pay for that service in advance (Pay & Display), this would be considered as a parking event and a Grace Period of at least 10 minutes must be added to the end of a parking event before you issue a PCN. It then goes on to explain a bit more further down 13.5 You must tell us the specific consideration/grace period at a site if our compliance team or our agents ask what it is. 13.6 Neither a consideration period or a grace period are periods of free parking and there is no requirement for you to offer an additional allowance on top of a consideration or grace period. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________So you have  now only overstayed 5 minutes maximum since BPA quote a minimum of 10 minutes. And it may be that the Riverside does have a longer period perhaps because of the size of the car park? So it becomes even more incumbent on you to remember where the extra 5 minutes could be.  Were you travelling as a family with children or a disabled person where getting them in and out of the car would take longer. Was there difficulty finding a space, or having to queue to get out of the car park . Or anything else that could account for another 5 minutes  without having to claim the difference between the ANPR times and the actual times.
    • Regarding a driver, that HAS paid for parking but input an incorrect Vehicle Registration Number.   This is an easy mistake to make, especially if a driver has access to more than one vehicle. First of all, upon receiving an NTK/PCN it is important to check that the Notice fully complies with PoFA 2012 Schedule 4 before deciding how to respond of course. The general advice is NOT to appeal to the Private Parking Company as, for example, you may identify yourself as driver and in certain circumstances that could harm your defence at a later stage. However, after following a recent thread on this subject, I have come to the conclusion that, in the case of inputting an incorrect Vehicle Registration Number, which is covered by “de minimis” it may actually HARM your defence at a later stage if you have not appealed to the PPC at the first appeal stage and explained that you DID pay for parking and CAN provide proof of parking, it was just that an incorrect VRN was input in error. Now, we all know that the BPA Code of Practice are guidelines from one bunch of charlatans for another bunch of charlatans to follow, but my thoughts are that there could be problems in court if a judge decides that a motorist has not followed these guidelines and has not made an appeal at the first appeal stage, therefore attempting to resolve the situation before it reaches court. From BPA Code of Practice: Section 17:  Keying Errors B) Major Keying Errors Examples of a major keying error could include: • Motorist entered their spouse’s car registration • Motorist entered something completely unrelated to their registration • Motorist made multiple keying errors (beyond one character being entered incorrectly) • Motorist has only entered a small part of their VRM, for example the first three digits In these instances we would expect that such errors are dealt with appropriately at the first appeal stage, especially if it can be proven that the motorist has paid for the parking event or that the motorist attempted to enter their VRM or were a legitimate user of the car park (eg a hospital patient or a patron of a restaurant). It is appreciated that in issuing a PCN in these instances, the operator will have incurred charges including but not limited to the DVLA fee and other processing costs therefore we believe that it is reasonable to seek to recover some of these costs by making a modest charge to the motorist of no more than £20 for a 14-day period from when the keying error was identified before reverting to the charge amount at the point of appeal. Now, we know that the "modest charge" is unenforceable in law, however, it would be up to the individual if they wanted to pay and make the problem go away or in fact if they wanted to contest the issue in court. If the motorist DOES appeal to the PPC explaining the error and the PPC rejects the appeal and the appeal fails, the motorist can use that in his favour at court.   Defence: "I entered the wrong VRN by mistake Judge, I explained this and I also submitted proof of payment for the relevant parking period in my appeal but the PPC wouldn't accept that"   If the motorist DOES NOT appeal to the PPC in the first instance the judge may well use that as a reason to dismiss the case in the claimant's favour because they may decide that they had the opportunity to resolve the matter at a much earlier stage in the proceedings. It is my humble opinion that a motorist, having paid and having proof of payment but entering the wrong VRN, should make an appeal at the first appeal stage in order to prevent problems at a later stage. In this instance, I think there is nothing to be gained by concealing the identity of the driver, especially if at a later stage, perhaps in court, it is said: “I (the driver) entered the wrong VRN.” Whether you agree or not, it is up to the individual to decide …. but worth thinking about. Any feedback, especially if you can prove to the contrary, gratefully received.
    • Women-only co-working spaces are part of the new hybrid working landscape, but they divide opinion.View the full article
  • Recommended Topics

  • Our picks

    • If you are buying a used car – you need to read this survival guide.
      • 1 reply
    • Hello,

      On 15/1/24 booked appointment with Big Motoring World (BMW) to view a mini on 17/1/24 at 8pm at their Enfield dealership.  

      Car was dirty and test drive was two circuits of roundabout on entry to the showroom.  Was p/x my car and rushed by sales exec and a manager into buying the mini and a 3yr warranty that night, sale all wrapped up by 10pm.  They strongly advised me taking warranty out on car that age (2017) and confirmed it was honoured at over 500 UK registered garages.

      The next day, 18/1/24 noticed amber engine warning light on dashboard , immediately phoned BMW aftercare team to ask for it to be investigated asap at nearest garage to me. After 15 mins on hold was told only their 5 service centres across the UK can deal with car issues with earliest date for inspection in March ! Said I’m not happy with that given what sales team advised or driving car. Told an amber warning light only advisory so to drive with caution and call back when light goes red.

      I’m not happy to do this, drive the car or with the after care experience (a sign of further stresses to come) so want a refund and to return the car asap.

      Please can you advise what I need to do today to get this done. 
       

      Many thanks 
      • 81 replies
    • Housing Association property flooding. https://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/topic/438641-housing-association-property-flooding/&do=findComment&comment=5124299
      • 161 replies
    • We have finally managed to obtain the transcript of this case.

      The judge's reasoning is very useful and will certainly be helpful in any other cases relating to third-party rights where the customer has contracted with the courier company by using a broker.
      This is generally speaking the problem with using PackLink who are domiciled in Spain and very conveniently out of reach of the British justice system.

      Frankly I don't think that is any accident.

      One of the points that the judge made was that the customers contract with the broker specifically refers to the courier – and it is clear that the courier knows that they are acting for a third party. There is no need to name the third party. They just have to be recognisably part of a class of person – such as a sender or a recipient of the parcel.

      Please note that a recent case against UPS failed on exactly the same issue with the judge held that the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 did not apply.

      We will be getting that transcript very soon. We will look at it and we will understand how the judge made such catastrophic mistakes. It was a very poor judgement.
      We will be recommending that people do include this adverse judgement in their bundle so that when they go to county court the judge will see both sides and see the arguments against this adverse judgement.
      Also, we will be to demonstrate to the judge that we are fair-minded and that we don't mind bringing everything to the attention of the judge even if it is against our own interests.
      This is good ethical practice.

      It would be very nice if the parcel delivery companies – including EVRi – practised this kind of thing as well.

       

      OT APPROVED, 365MC637, FAROOQ, EVRi, 12.07.23 (BRENT) - J v4.pdf
        • Like
  • Recommended Topics

non-payment of a Magistrates' Fine - Philips Bailiffs - Notice of Distress Warrant - Please Help


style="text-align: center;">  

Thread Locked

because no one has posted on it for the last 4172 days.

If you need to add something to this thread then

 

Please click the "Report " link

 

at the bottom of one of the posts.

 

If you want to post a new story then

Please

Start your own new thread

That way you will attract more attention to your story and get more visitors and more help 

 

Thanks

Recommended Posts

Hi all,

I have just received two letters from Philips stating Notice of Distress Warrant too.

 

They allege that they are in receipt of a Distress warrant for non-payment of a Magistrates' Fine and they have been instructed by South East London.

Both letters have the same Philips Reference Number, but both are for different amounts (£370.00 and £445.00).

Neither letter has any date on it.

 

As far as I am aware I have no Magistrates' fines.

I have only ever once had a fine and that was back in about 2000 and was paid off in full.

It was so long ago that I really doubt that I have any evidence that it was paid in full.

I have had absolutely no correspondance before recieving these letters about any fines or Distress Warrent.

What do I do next?

 

Should I contact Philips?

I'm wary of doing this as I really don't want them to have my telephone number and the calls cost 5 pence per minute!

How do I get the details of any Distress Warrant?

Can I then make a Statutory Declaration at any court?

 

How long have I got before a bailiff will break into my property?

Can I prevent them from doing this?

 

 

Please help.

 

Many thanks in advance.

 

Ps. Having just checked Her Majesty's Courts Services Website there doesn't even seem to be a court called South East London! How do I know where this warrant was issued from?

Nurselayer v Natwest - Settled in Full :D

Link to post
Share on other sites

"How long have I got before a bailiff will break into my property?"

 

Somewhere between a long way off and never. No need to worry if you are in communication with the court / bailiff. Ignore his threats to the contrary. I believe the lattest figures were approx 30 forced entries per year for £1.5 Billion in outstanding fines.

 

Do not waste your time talking to them on the phone. They will subsequently deny anything that is said in your favor, and make things up like you offered an amount by a certain date etc...

 

Recorded delivery and e-mail only.

 

 

BTW - They can't call on Sundays so relax.

 

I'm not confident re. fines enforcement, but i believe you are on the right track with the stat. dec. route. Someone who knows better will be along.

Edited by Thegreenpimpernel
Link to post
Share on other sites

These letters are of serious concern and I am aware that there have recently been complaints made to the Office of Fair Trading.

It cannot be right for a company representing HMCS to be allowed to send UNDATED letters with little of no information to identify the supposed debt.

 

Also, there is NO such court as South East.

 

I do have a contact number for the relevant office and can post if here late tomorrow/Monday morning.

 

Please send me a pm if I forget.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Tomhubby,

 

just read your reply (above) to a similar post to mine.

 

My undated and uninformative threat letters refer to 'North West London'

 

Would you have any idea who I should be phoning on Monday morning?

 

Thanks for your suggestions!

Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi all, I have just recieved two letters from Philips stating Notice of Distress Warrant too. They allege that they are in receipt of a Distress warrant for non-payment of a Magistrates' Fine and they have been instructed by South East London. Both letters have the same Philips Reference Number, but both are for different amounts (£370.00 and £445.00). Neither letter has any date on it.

 

That suggests they are not genuine.

 

As far as I am aware I have no Magistrates' fines. I have only ever once had a fine and that was back in about 2000 and was paid off in full. It was so long ago that I really doubt that I have any evidence that it was paid in full. I have had absolutely no correspondance before recieving these letters about any fines or Distress Warrent. What do I do next?

 

Phone the original court from 2000 and ask if they can shed light.

 

Should I contact Philips?

 

In a word - NO, never TELEPHONE A BAILIFF.

 

I'm wary of doing this as I really don't want them to have my telephone number and the calls cost 5 pence per minute! How do I get the details of any Distress Warrant? Can I then make a Statutory Declaration at any court?

 

If you can locate the originating court.

 

How long have I got before a bailiff will break into my property? Can I prevent them from doing this?

 

Wont happen, and magistrates rarely give permission anyway. Khazanchi & Anor v Faircharm Investments Ltd & Ors [1998] EWCA Civ 471 : On 17 March 1998 Lord Justice Morritt in the High Court ruled that bailiffs having a Walking Possessions Agreement cannot remove anything whilst the debtor is absent unless it is pre-arranged by appointment and with an Order signed by a Judge. The Judge also said in his conclusion,

 

 

However it should be noted that in cases such as these there may be a sanction pursuant to Section 1 of the Criminal Damage Act l971. In other cases the provisions of Section 6 of the Criminal Law Act may apply also.

 

Source: http://vlex.co.uk/vid/ur-judge-cox-52584219

 

 

 

 

Please help.

 

Many thanks in advance.

 

Ps. Having just checked Her Majesty's Courts Services Website there doesn't even seem to be a court called South East London! How do I know where this warrant was issued from?

 

No such court. the document might be falsified - see Section 40(1)© of the Administration of Justuce Act 1970.

Professional property investor and conveyancer

Link to post
Share on other sites

Ok, have tried to get the details of this without contacting the Bailiffs but the courts are saying that they can't help me and that I have to contact the bailiffs to get any information regarding this. All help would be much appreciated as I really don't want to contact the bailiffs by telephone.

 

Thanks

Nurselayer v Natwest - Settled in Full :D

Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi,

 

I'm in a very similar boat to you. Here's where I'm at:

 

Called Enforcement Office for North West London which is at Uxbridge magistrates court

 

Not sure which area you're under but locating the enforcement office should be easy. They liaise between court and bailiff

 

They have given me a 21 day reprieve from the bailiffs.

 

Now I've got enough time to chase the original court for details - however, I had the phone ringing for 3 hours yesterday and they didn't pick up.

 

I've written my request for info in a letter which will go special delivery tomorrow.

I got a fax number for the court listing office from the enforcement office so I'll also fax it tomorrow.

 

I will ask to make a Stat Dec and go to court to sort it out.

 

Spoken to three solicitors - first one said just pay it and be done with it (obviously £600 is peanuts to him)

Another said you'll probably still be held responsible so don't bother.

The last said get a stat dec and go to court or try negotiating for a reduction with bailiffs on basis that if they don't reduce it you'll get a stat dec.

 

All good fun.....

 

oh forgot to say -

 

sent a prove it letter to bailiffs yesterday

Link to post
Share on other sites

Others will know more but that may well ensure they revisit and attempt a levy whether they have the right "J Smith" or not imho, so batten down the hatches in case, and do not answer the door to them if they do, and move any car in use away from the property.

We could do with some help from you.

PLEASE HELP US TO KEEP THIS SITE RUNNING EVERY POUND DONATED WILL HELP US TO KEEP HELPING OTHERS

Have we helped you ...?         Please Donate button to the Consumer Action Group

If you want advice on your thread please PM me a link to your thread

The bailiff: A 12th Century solution re-branded as Enforcement Agents for the 21st Century to seize and sell debtors goods as before Oh so Dickensian!

Link to post
Share on other sites

Thought it was best to offer this advice to everyone concerned as my husband has also been through exactly the same thing:

 

1. Contact your local magistrate office, and go and make a statutory declaration (it's free!!!). Be very nice to whoever you speak to. They are usually sympathetic and can give you a little more information about what the fine is for. In our case, it wasn't right at all.

 

2. Send a letter of complaint to the named person below:

 

Vicky Savage Philips Collection Services (Bailiffs)

Faverdale industrial estate

Darlington Co Durham

DL3 0PH

3. Make copies of documents the statutory declaration & complaint letter in 2 above, as well as the letter s received from the bailiffs and send it to the Central Accounting Office of the court in question, along with a letter explaining the situation.

4. You can search on google for the name of the court by typing in south west london magistrate court, or north east london magistrate court etc.

Hope this helps?

PS: I REALLY DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THIS COMPANY ARE STILL IN OPERATION, GIVEN THAT THEIR PROCESSES ARE 'DODGY'

Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 3 months later...

Hi,

 

I also have two distress warrants from Phillips regards non-payment of a fine from North West Courts (Uxbridge), both for the same matter, both of them not dated..!!

 

The mad thing here is that I was paying this fine at £5 per week with one of those 'allpay' payment cards, I admit my payments were a little erratic, though I was £5 in advance where I contacted the Central Accounting Office. What a joke that is nearly one and a half days of trying to contact them, in the end I phoned around to different departments and got another number.!

 

I got though to someone and informed the person that the fine was being paid and that it was currently in advance, though they informed me that there was this 24 hour default payment system in force and that a distress warrant had been issued due to my arrange payments being in default..!

 

This was the first time I had heard of this new rule, as I had recently finished paying another fine exactly the same way using the 'allpay' card and my payments were erratic, though the whole fine was paid off on time without any distress warrant issued. So I feel annoyed that this has happened as it seams like another little deceptive trick to catch you out in getting you to paying more money..!!

 

I have unfortunately contacted the Bailiff's as the person at the Central Accounting Office told me to do so and have begrudgingly agreed to pay a stated amount (non-negotiable) in monthly instalments..!

 

I saw else where that these distress warrants run out in 180 day and get returned to the courts, which goes back to the original fine amount without the Bailiff's charges on top, is that true..? If it is, could I go back on my word as I never excepted there terms and refuse to pay them and wait for it to go back to the courts..!!

 

I live in a flat with a security door down stairs and my car is parked on private land, which as I understand they can't touch, the worst that they can do is a clamping order so if they do clamp it I can go out and cut it off..!!

 

Any advise on this would be grateful..

 

Thanks..

Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 1 year later...

Here where I am at.

 

I recently received a letter from Phillips Bailiffs and it is clear that they deliberately send 'Distress Warrants' with scant information so that you cannot make statutory declarations.

 

I received a distress warrant from Phillips saying that owed £418 from an initial fine of £118. the only other information was that their client was HMRC. After contacting them by letter several times asking for clarification they send the bailiffs around and posted a letter through my door.

 

I didn't call them. YOU MUST NEVER CALL THEM! I emailed them with a complaint - This is the email.

 

Dear Sirs,

 

I have previously written to you to request details of a debt that you are enforcing. Your letter merely states HMCS. This is wholly insufficient and does not provide me with any means in which to make enquiries concerning this alledged debt.

 

I wish to once again make the point very clear that to you that to the best of my knowledge I do not have an unpaid court fine.

 

This afternoon I have contacted a Bailiff on-line site and they have advised me that if your company refuse to provide the required details that they will provide the contact details for the relevant HMCS Contract Manager with responsibility to dealing with complaint within the London Area.

 

Given the seriousness of this matter unless I have a suitable response from your company within 2 days of this email I will be making a formal complaint to the Contracts Manager without any further reference to you. I hope that this will not be necessary.

 

Yours sincerely

 

As they don't want to receive a complaint against them it took them ten days to respond with more information. The original fine was in 2004, but the first I knew of it was in 2012. The only other information they gave though was that their client was NW Magistrates. I knew I had to make a stat dec, but when I looked on line there was no NW Magistrates. This thread led me to Uxbridge Magistrates and I arrived bright and early one Monday morning and the kind officials let me make a stat dec that morning. With Phillips off my back I can now buy some time to get to the bottom of the original fine.

 

Phillips deliberately don't want you to go to court that's why they provide scant information on their letters/warrants. They want to scare you into paying up (mostly their inflated bailiff fees) and it must work with enough to keep them still in business. DON'T FALL FOR THEIR BULLY BOY TACTICS.

 

I hope this helps someone.

Edited by Andyorch
removed reference
Link to post
Share on other sites

  • dx100uk changed the title to non-payment of a Magistrates' Fine - Philips Bailiffs - Notice of Distress Warrant - Please Help
  • Recently Browsing   0 Caggers

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Have we helped you ...?


×
×
  • Create New...