Jump to content


  • Tweets

  • Posts

    • No! What has happened is that your pix were up-to-date: 5 hours' maximum stay and £100 PCN. The lazy solicitors have sent ancient pictures: 4 hours' maximum stay and £60 PCN. Don't let on!  Let them be hoisted by their own lazy petard in the court hearing (if they don't bottle before).
    • Thanks for all the suggestions so far I will amend original WS and send again for review.  While looking at my post at very beginning when I submitted photos of signs around the car park I noticed that it says 5 hours maximum stay while the signage sent by solicitor shows 4 hours maximum stay but mine is related to electric bay abuse not sure if this can be of any use in WS.
    • Not sure what to make of that or what it means for me, I was just about to head to my kip and it's a bit too late for legalise. When is the "expenditure occured"?  When they start spending money to write to me?  Or is this a bad thing (as "harsh" would imply)? When all is said and done, I do not have two beans to rub together, we rent our home and EVERYTHING of value has been purchased by and is in my wife's name and we are not financially linked in any way.  So at least if I can't escape my fate I can at least know that they will get sweet FA from me anyway   edit:  ah.. Sophia Harrison: Time bar decision tough on claimants WWW.SCOTTISHLEGAL.COM Time bar is a very complex area of law in Scotland relating to the period in which a claim for breach of duty can be pursued. The Scottish government...   This explains it like I am 5.  So, a good thing then because creditors clearly know they have suffered a loss the minute I stop paying them, this is why it is "harsh" (for them, not me)? Am I understanding this correctly?  
    • urm......exactly what you filed .....read it carefully... it puts them to strict proof to prove the debt is enforceable, so thus 'holds' their claim till they coughup or not and discontinue. you need to get readingthose threads i posted so you understand. then you'll know whats maybe next how to react or not and whats after that. 5-10 threads a day INHO. dont ever do anything without checking here 1st.
    • I've done a new version including LFI's suggestions.  I've also change the order to put your strongest arguments first.  Where possible the changes are in red.  The numbering is obviously knackered.  See what you think. Background  1.1  The Defendant received the Parking Charge Notice (PCN) on the 06th of November 2020 following the vehicle being parked at Arla Old Dairy, South Ruislip on the 05th of December 2019.  Unfair PCN  4.1  On XXXXX the Defendant sent the Claimant's solicitors a CPR request.  As shown in Exhibit 1 (pages 7-13) the solicitors helpfully sent photos of 46 signs in their evidence all clearly showing a £60.00 parking charge notice (which will  be reduced if paid promptly).  There can be no room for doubt here - there are 46 signs produced in the Claimant's own evidence. 4.2  Yet the PCN affixed to the vehicle was for a £100.00 parking charge notice (reduced if paid promptly).  The reminder letters from the Claimant again all demanded £100. 4.3        The Claimant relies on signage to create a contract.  It is unlawful for the Claimant to write that the charge is £60 on their signs and then send demands for £100.   4.4        The unlawful £100 charge is also the basis for the Claimant's Particulars of Claim. No Locus Standi 2.1  I do not believe a contract exists with the landowner that gives MET Parking Services a right to bring claims in their own name. Definition of “Relevant contract” from the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, Schedule 4,  2 [1] means a contract Including a contract arising only when the vehicle was parked on the relevant land between the driver and a person who is-  (a) the owner or occupier of the land; or  (b) Authorised, under or by virtue of arrangements made by the owner or occupier of the land, to enter into a contract with the driver requiring the payment of parking charges in respect of the parking of the vehicle on the land. According to https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/46/section/44  For a contract to be valid, it requires a director from each company to sign and then two independent witnesses must confirm those signatures.  2.2  The Defendant requested to see such a contract in the CPR request.  The contract produced was largely illegible and heavily redacted, and the fact that it contained no witness signatures present means the contract has not been validly executed. Therefore, there can be no contract established between MET Parking Services and the motorist. Even if “No Parking in Electric Bay” could form a contract (which it cannot), it is immaterial. There is no valid contract. Illegal Conduct – No Contract Formed  3.1 At the time of writing, the Claimant has failed to provide proof of planning permission granted for signage etc under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. Lack of planning permission is a criminal offence under this Act and no contract can be formed where criminality is involved.  3.4        I also do not believe the claimant possesses this document.  No Keeper Liability  5.1        The defendant was not the driver at the time and date mentioned in the PCN and the claimant has not established keeper liability under schedule 4 of the PoFA 2012. In this matter, the defendant puts it to the claimant to produce strict proof as to who was driving at the time.  5.2 The claimant in their Notice To Keeper also failed to comply with PoFA 2012 Schedule 4 section 9[2][f] while mentioning “the right to recover from the keeper so much of that parking charge as remains unpaid” where they did not include statement “(if all the applicable conditions under this Schedule are met)”.    5.3        The claimant did not mention the parking period instead only mentioned time 20:25 which is not sufficient to qualify as a parking period.   Protection of Freedoms Act 2012  The notice must -  (a) specify the vehicle, the relevant land on which it was parked and the period of parking to which the notice relates; 22. In the persuasive judgement K4GF167G - Premier Park Ltd v Mr Mathur - Horsham County Court – 5 January 2024 it was on this very point that the judge dismissed this claim. 5.4  A the PCN does not comply with the Act the Defendant as keeper is not liable. Interest 6.2  It is unreasonable for the Claimant to delay litigation for four years in order to add excessive interest. Double Recovery  7.1  The claim is littered with made-up charges. 7.2  As noted above, the Claimant's signs state a £60 charge yet their PCN is for £100. 7.3  As well as the £100 parking charge, the Claimant seeks recovery of an additional £70.  This is simply a poor attempt to circumvent the legal costs cap at small claims. 29. Since 2019, many County Courts have considered claims in excess of £100 to be an abuse of process leading to them being struck out ab initio. An example, in the Caernarfon Court in VCS v Davies, case No. FTQZ4W28 on 4th September 2019, District Judge Jones-Evans stated “Upon it being recorded that District Judge Jones- Evans has over a very significant period of time warned advocates (...) in many cases of this nature before this court that their claim for £60 is unenforceable in law and is an abuse of process and is nothing more than a poor attempt to go behind the decision of the Supreme Court v Beavis which inter alia decided that a figure of £160 as a global sum claimed in this case would be a penalty and not a genuine pre-estimate of loss and therefore unenforceable in law and if the practise continued, he would treat all cases as a claim for £160 and therefore a penalty and unenforceable in law it is hereby declared (…) the claim is struck out and declared to be wholly without merit and an abuse of process.” 30. In Claim Nos. F0DP806M and F0DP201T, District Judge Taylor echoed earlier General Judgment or Orders of District Judge Grand, stating ''It is ordered that the claim is struck out as an abuse of process. The claim contains a substantial charge additional to the parking charge which it is alleged the Defendant contracted to pay. This additional charge is not recoverable under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, Schedule 4 nor with reference to the judgment in Parking Eye v Beavis. It is an abuse of process from the Claimant to issue a knowingly inflated claim for an additional sum which it is not entitled to recover. This order has been made by the court of its own initiative without a hearing pursuant to CPR Rule 3.3(4)) of the Civil Procedure Rules 1998...'' 31. In the persuasive case of G4QZ465V - Excel Parking Services Ltd v Wilkinson – Bradford County Court -2 July 2020 (Exhibit 2) the judge had decided that Excel had won. However, due to Excel adding on the £60 the Judge dismissed the case. 7.7        The addition of costs not previously specified on signage are also in breach of the Consumer Rights Act 2015, Schedule 2, specifically paras 6, 10 and 14.  7.8        It is the Defendant’s position that the Claimant in this case has knowingly submitted inflated costs and thus the entire claim should be similarly struck out in accordance with Civil Procedure Rule 3.3(4).  In Conclusion  8.1        I invite the court to dismiss the claim. Statement of Truth I believe that the facts stated in this witness statement are true. I understand that proceedings for contempt of court may be brought against anyone who makes, or causes to be made, a false statement in a document verified by a statement of truth without an honest belief in its truth. 
  • Recommended Topics

  • Our picks

    • If you are buying a used car – you need to read this survival guide.
        • Like
      • 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
        • Like
      • 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

Removal Company Problem


style="text-align: center;">  

Thread Locked

because no one has posted on it for the last 5750 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

woah there tigers!

firstly apologies for the lack of response thus far, i was only able to do a quick post at a friends house on sunday as i have no internet yet at my new property, and have had to wait until my return to work today to log back on.

ive done some ringing round etc and obviously read your posts (thank-you) and will try and answer some of your points.

(1) it was a Written Quotation not an estimate

(2) it was based on information given by ourselves as the companys estimator was away on holiday

(3) the quotation is for a lump sum figure to "remove our furniture and effects". No itemised listing etc

 

now, i am of the understanding that a quotation is a binding contract, wheras an estimate can be altered. whislt i understand that the information provided to the company was by us, i would argue that we are neither qualified quantity estimators, and that as the company admited that their estimator was on holiday, then in producing a quotation (not an estimate) the risk lies with them in assuring themselves that the information they use to provide that quotation is accurate. at least thats how it works in my industry (civil egineering). if a contractor provides a lump sum quote, its up to him to make sure the information is accurate, not the client. otherwise he proivides an estimate, thereby reducing his risk as he is able to alter the final ammount based on circumstances.

if the removal company had provided an estimate, i would not have argued as there point would be valid. however it was a quotation.

in addition to this we telephoned them on the monday after recieving their quotation in the post (before the removal on the thursday) to check that they were still happy to proceed with the removal based on the price they provided, and they said yes.

so as far as i am concerned we as their clients gave them the opportunity to change their price.

also the same company moved us into our property 2 years ago, and therfore we assumed that they would still have a record of the number of vans/ quantity of stuff we have and would have used that information in their quote. indeed they even stated that we have used 2 vans last time to which i countered with the above argument. The quotation alsoi makes no reference to volumes/quantities or numbers of vans required, its simply a fixed price, therefore again, as clients we cannot be expected to know what they have and have not quoted for if they do not provide this information within their quote.

FYI their quote was approx £150 cheaper then the next highest, therefore not significantly lower enough for us to think they had not quoted correctly as it can reasnobly be assumed that they were being competitive, particulalry as we had used them last time.

The nature of their claim for additional monies is dubious at best, particularly as they stated initially that it would be double the total cost, and then (quote) 'did us a deal' for the other van. also they had started to load the first van before informing us that a second would be required again a dubious practice as it would have been obvious to them before they started that an additional van would be required and therefore should not have commenced work without obtaining our agreement beforehand.

as regards payment for the additional monies, we were made to do this under duress however paid for the extra via cheque. we intend to cancel this cheque as we believe it was obtained unlawfully and we now dispute it and if they want to go to court to get it, fine as we think we have a good case for withholding the funds.

as for trading standards, its a bot of an idle threat really as i doubt they want to become involved however its better than nothing.

anyway hope thats given you all something more to work with.

thanks.

Link to post
Share on other sites

woah there tigers!

firstly apologies for the lack of response thus far, i was only able to do a quick post at a friends house on sunday as i have no internet yet at my new property, and have had to wait until my return to work today to log back on.

ive done some ringing round etc and obviously read your posts (thank-you) and will try and answer some of your points.

(1) it was a Written Quotation not an estimate

(2) it was based on information given by ourselves as the companys estimator was away on holiday

(3) the quotation is for a lump sum figure to "remove our furniture and effects". No itemised listing etc

 

now, i am of the understanding that a quotation is a binding contract, wheras an estimate can be altered. whislt i understand that the information provided to the company was by us, i would argue that we are neither qualified quantity estimators, and that as the company admited that their estimator was on holiday, then in producing a quotation (not an estimate) the risk lies with them in assuring themselves that the information they use to provide that quotation is accurate. at least thats how it works in my industry (civil egineering). if a contractor provides a lump sum quote, its up to him to make sure the information is accurate, not the client. otherwise he proivides an estimate, thereby reducing his risk as he is able to alter the final ammount based on circumstances.

if the removal company had provided an estimate, i would not have argued as there point would be valid. however it was a quotation.

in addition to this we telephoned them on the monday after recieving their quotation in the post (before the removal on the thursday) to check that they were still happy to proceed with the removal based on the price they provided, and they said yes.

so as far as i am concerned we as their clients gave them the opportunity to change their price.

also the same company moved us into our property 2 years ago, and therfore we assumed that they would still have a record of the number of vans/ quantity of stuff we have and would have used that information in their quote. indeed they even stated that we have used 2 vans last time to which i countered with the above argument. The quotation alsoi makes no reference to volumes/quantities or numbers of vans required, its simply a fixed price, therefore again, as clients we cannot be expected to know what they have and have not quoted for if they do not provide this information within their quote.

FYI their quote was approx £150 cheaper then the next highest, therefore not significantly lower enough for us to think they had not quoted correctly as it can reasnobly be assumed that they were being competitive, particulalry as we had used them last time.

The nature of their claim for additional monies is dubious at best, particularly as they stated initially that it would be double the total cost, and then (quote) 'did us a deal' for the other van. also they had started to load the first van before informing us that a second would be required again a dubious practice as it would have been obvious to them before they started that an additional van would be required and therefore should not have commenced work without obtaining our agreement beforehand.

as regards payment for the additional monies, we were made to do this under duress however paid for the extra via cheque. we intend to cancel this cheque as we believe it was obtained unlawfully and we now dispute it and if they want to go to court to get it, fine as we think we have a good case for withholding the funds.

as for trading standards, its a bot of an idle threat really as i doubt they want to become involved however its better than nothing.

anyway hope thats given you all something more to work with.

thanks.

 

Welcome back!

 

A quotation is a binding contract - once paid for - but if the quotation would say '10 boxes' and you had 20, then they would have an argument, but obviously they don't.

 

If the quotation was based on an estimate, then it should be marked clearly in the quotation, as it wasn't I don't think they have a case.

 

You didn't say that they hadn't cashed the cheque yet, so I would definitely cancel the cheque and then vigorously defend their claim if they issue against them - but send them a letter [by special delivery] advising them that you have cancelled the cheque and the reasons, and that you will vigorously defend any action they may initiate.

 

If they have cashed the cheque by now then I would write them a letter [again send it by special delivery] before legal action and sue them for the amount they took, plus interest & court fees.

 

I disagree that it was so bad that they charged the extra fee later on in the move rather than at the beginning. They were so bad - obviously - already, that I don't think it would make any difference.

 

Please keep us posted.

 

Good luck.

Edited by legalpickle
...

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

:!: All the information I impart is my advice based on my experience. It does not constitute professional advice. If in doubt, always consult with a professional. :!:

 

:-) If you feel my post has been helpful, please click my scales. :-)

Link to post
Share on other sites

thanks, have rang the bank at lunch and cancelled the cheque.got to be on a winner as the very nice lady isn't even going to charge me for cancelling as she thinks the removal company are being so awful!will put together a letter tonight and send it tomorrow.the only thing my wife is slightly worried about is whether they 'send the boys round' to collect the money in person, but that would be highly irregular and im sure we could call the police in that instance.anyway will let you know what happens...

Link to post
Share on other sites

thanks, have rang the bank at lunch and cancelled the cheque.got to be on a winner as the very nice lady isn't even going to charge me for cancelling as she thinks the removal company are being so awful!will put together a letter tonight and send it tomorrow.the only thing my wife is slightly worried about is whether they 'send the boys round' to collect the money in person, but that would be highly irregular and im sure we could call the police in that instance.anyway will let you know what happens...

 

You're lucky. Which bank are you with? One of the rare cases of a bank being decent - keep a record, it doesn't happen often!

 

I doubt they'd send the heavies round, and if they did you could always call the coppers, though how much good they'd do I'm not so sure!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

:!: All the information I impart is my advice based on my experience. It does not constitute professional advice. If in doubt, always consult with a professional. :!:

 

:-) If you feel my post has been helpful, please click my scales. :-)

Link to post
Share on other sites

Glad you're getting somewhere.

 

One question I have though is won't they just come after you for the cancelled cheque?

 

I thought there were few defences for a cancelled cheque. Will you be able to mount a defence based on their poor service etc.:idea:

Link to post
Share on other sites

Couple of questions for the OP..

 

In what form did you inform the removal company of what there was to be removed? Written list of furniture? or did they send you a form to complete (usually in the form of a checklist)?

 

Did they supply any written terms and conditions with your quote?

 

Do they belong to any trade association, eg British Association of Removers or International Guild of Removers and Storers?

 

What was the actual reason for the need for an extra vehicle?

Link to post
Share on other sites

abonae Yes stopping a cheque can have very serious repercussions for the drawer & as such could lead to a claim for damages if by stopping the said cheque the company suffered any loss such as bank charges etc at a time when the OP's allegations are unproven.

 

The correct course of action would have been to mount a claim for compensation on the basis of breach of contract. To arbitrarily stop payment, no matter how justified the OP feels, will put the OP on the same footing as the removal firm who demanded payment at a time it couldn't really be refused

 

In the event of court action I suggest clean hands are required

Link to post
Share on other sites

No problem, cancelling cheque was the correct thing to do, however you should tell them what you have done and why.

On the times I have moved I have never paid up front; just either on completion of the move and satisfied everything was OK or on receipt of invoice. Nobody should pay up front for a service just in case something goes wrong. It was definitely extortion and blackmail. Let them claim, you have a sound defence.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Lets not get carried away shall we.

 

It's certainly not fraud as even if they did effectively hold a gun to the OP's head when demanding extra payment they DID fulfill their undertaking

 

It's for this reason that I'm concerned that the OP stopped the cheque when he could albeit inconveniently have refused to pay at the time

Link to post
Share on other sites

Guest joe.inom

Oh man , why do you guys go for the cheaper on if you are unsatisfied with the known outcomes.

This afcourse that the cheaper groups always have some naughty outsomes , i have faced loads of it , that why i go for the known and belived agent.

Link to post
Share on other sites

JonCris (post #36)

 

Whilst i agree with your sentiments as far as court proceedings go, why should i pay them and then try to claim the money back? that only plays into their hands as they get the money and then i have to use yet more money to claim it back. if its that important to them and they believe their case to be strong enough then we can by all means take it to court and have a rumble. but i dont subscibe to the theory that says that you should play by the rules when those rules have clearly been broken.

 

We are not talking about a reputable company here otherwise they would not have done what they did in the first place, besides which, it is easy for you say we could have "albeit inconveniently have refused to pay at the time". how exactly? especially when there are 5 very large men in your house having spent the best part of 2 hours unloading your stuff. its easy to say these things when you are not directly involved and we would all like to live our lives by our morals etc, however sometimes it is not that easy.

 

me and my wife did not want a potential confrontation at our new house, particualrly after having had one at the old house. besides which it was not the removal men on the ground that we had an argument with, it was their office based staff who phoned us up to tell us.

 

I would have loved to be strong enough to confront them and say 'youre not getting your money' but frankly i had spent the last 7 hours having a very very stressful time with the loading of our stuff, a very stressful journey to our new home and then the worry of the unloading. on top of the very stressful week of packing & sorting things out etc. i wasnt physically or mentally up for the additional challenge of a confrontation, neither was my wife, and therefore we figured that giving them a cheque for the extra and then fighting about it afterwards when we had had the time and energy to recover would be a far better option.

 

Also from your post 34 I do happen to think it was both fraud and illegal. Therefore i believe i am well within my rights to withold payment of something that i felt i was co-erced into paying in the first place.

 

to reiterate my previous comments we DID pay them the ageed, quoted ammount in cash, and paid the 'extra' by cheque. We are simply withholding the additional sum as we do not think it is justified.

Link to post
Share on other sites

joe.inom #37.

 

sorry, not sure totally what you mean, but i think you are trying to say that we shouldnt go with the cheapest one? my previous posts say that we had used this company before and they were excellent. so why shouldnt i use them again, especially if they happened to be the cheapest also?

Link to post
Share on other sites

roger I'm sorry but I stand by what I have stated. You had an opportunity to refuse payment yet chose to go ahead so stopping the cheque could have an adverse effect on any claim

 

That said your defence will be that you had no choice as you had been presented with a take it or leave it situation at a time, which in your view, it would have been impossible to make alternative arrangements.

 

Therefore understand that I'm not saying you don't have a case, you do & a strong one at that IMHO. I'm only stating that by stopping the cheque AFTER agreeing you MAY find that the court does not comply with your wishes.

 

Some courts have been known to see the stopping of payment as the contract being rescinded & therefore no agreement exists & have on very rare occasions awarded damages & costs to the 'wrong' party

Link to post
Share on other sites

JonCris,

 

Thanks for your comments and I appreciate your point of view, and apologise if i came across a bit strong yesterday.

 

Hopefully though it wont get as far as court (and there are other steps to be taken in between, such as trading standards and the BAR arbitration service for example).

 

Its always difficult when ideally should do one thing but end up doing another.

 

We weighed up the pros and cons of cancelling the chequ vs our defence in court and made the descision accordingly and whilst a court would probably take the view that we shouldnt of cancelled, we would push for the duress angle. In my experience of of the law its generally a very grey area with issues solved by matters of opinion amd who makes the most compelling argument.

 

obviously this is not always the case, but in this instance i think our argument is very compelling and outweighs the decision we made in witholding their funds.

 

also we have informed them in writing as to our intentions and why we dispute the additional costs so from that point of view we have been upfront with them.

 

The letter has now been delivered (recorded delivery) so the ball is in their court and will let you know their response in due course.

Link to post
Share on other sites

hiya,

to clarify, the agreed sum is x the disputed sum is y

on the day we paid them x in cash and y via cheque

we have since cancelled the cheque (ie y)

therefore the have recieved the agreed amount, but we have withheld the disputed amount

hope than clarifies things

Link to post
Share on other sites

  • Recently Browsing   0 Caggers

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Have we helped you ...?


×
×
  • Create New...