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    • The private submersible industry was shaken after the implosion of the OceanGate Titan sub last year.View the full article
    • further polished WS using above suggestions and also included couple of more modifications highlighted in orange are those ok to include?   Background   1.1  The Defendant received the Parking Charge Notice (PCN) on the 06th of January 2020 following the vehicle being parked at Arla Old Dairy, South Ruislip on the 05th of December 2019.   Unfair PCN   2.1  On 19th December 2023 the Defendant sent the Claimant's solicitors a CPR request.  As shown in Exhibit 1 (pages 7-13) sent by the solicitors the signage displayed in their evidence clearly shows a £60.00 parking charge notice (which will be reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days of issue).  2.2  Yet the PCN sent by the Claimant is for a £100.00 parking charge notice (reduced to £60 if paid within 30 days of issue).   2.3        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.    2.4        The unlawful £100 charge is also the basis for the Claimant's Particulars of Claim.  No Locus Standi  3.1  I do not believe a contract with the landowner, that is provided following the defendant’s CPR request, 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.   3.2  The Defendant requested to see such a contract in the CPR request.  The fact that no contract has been produced with the 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 “Parking in Electric Bay” could form a contract (which it cannot), it is immaterial. There is no valid contract.  Illegal Conduct – No Contract Formed   4.1 At the time of writing, the Claimant has failed to provide the following, in response to the CPR request from myself.   4.2        The legal contract between the Claimant and the landowner (which in this case is Standard Life Investments UK) to provide evidence that there is an agreement in place with landowner with the necessary authority to issue parking charge notices and to pursue payment by means of litigation.   4.3 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.   4.4        I also do not believe the claimant possesses these documents.   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 parking period, times on the photographs are separate from the PCN and in any case are that arrival and departure times not the parking period since their times include driving to and from the parking space as a minimum and can include extra time to allow pedestrians and other vehicles to pass in front.    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.  No Breach of Contract   6.1       No breach of contract occurred because the PCN and contract provided as part of the defendant’s CPR request shows different post code, PCN shows HA4 0EY while contract shows HA4 0FY. According to PCN defendant parked on HA4 0EY which does not appear to be subject to the postcode covered by the contract.  6.2         The entrance sign does not mention anything about there being other terms inside the car park so does not offer a contract which makes it only an offer to treat,  Interest  7.1  It is unreasonable for the Claimant to delay litigation for  Double Recovery   7.2  The claim is littered with made-up charges.  7.3  As noted above, the Claimant's signs state a £60 charge yet their PCN is for £100.  7.4  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.  7.5 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 practice 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.”  7.6 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 recoverabl15e 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...''  7.7 In the persuasive case of G4QZ465V - Excel Parking Services Ltd v Wilkinson – Bradford County Court -2 July 2020 (Exhibit 4) the judge had decided that Excel had won. However, due to Excel adding on the £60 the Judge dismissed the case.  7.8        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.   7.9        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.   
    • Well the difference is that in all our other cases It was Kev who was trying to entrap the motorist so sticking two fingers up to him and daring him to try court was from a position of strength. In your case, sorry, you made a mistake so you're not in the position of strength.  I've looked on Google Maps and the signs are few & far between as per Kev's MO, but there is an entrance sign saying "Pay & Display" (and you've admitted in writing that you knew you had to pay) and the signs by the payment machines do say "Sea View Car Park" (and you've admitted in writing you paid the wrong car park ... and maybe outed yourself as the driver). Something I missed in my previous post is that the LoC is only for one ticket, not two. Sorry, but it's impossible to definitively advise what to so. Personally I'd probably gamble on Kev being a serial bottler of court and reply with a snotty letter ridiculing the signage (given you mentioned the signage in your appeal) - but it is a gamble.  
    • 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.
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    • 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.

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      OT APPROVED, 365MC637, FAROOQ, EVRi, 12.07.23 (BRENT) - J v4.pdf
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I defaulted on an arrangement to pay my council tax and owe just over £300 according to my receipts.

 

This morning I had a letter thrown in moy porch from the local bailiffs declaring notice of seizure of goods. Amount owing £390 + costs !!

 

1) How come the amount they are claiming is different from the councils amount?

 

2) If I go to the council and pay the correct outstanding bill then what happens to the bailiffs?

 

They have only called once and he is coming back next wednesday morning to see me.

In the poop without a scoop....

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HE can't do a walkin possesion if you Don't let him in thats what they hope for and that you DON'T know your rights.

 

Don't sign anything no matter what he tell you, why don't you read a couple of threads here that will tell you these people will say anything to get your money or you to sign

 

Don't do it

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If I pay the full outstanding council tax balance to the council will that stop them doing a walking possession which is what he is after?

It's not Scotland, they cant walk straight in, as advised, ignore the bailiff and just pay the Council

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no do let him come on Wednesday send them a letter on Monday after you paid the council (recorded delivery)

 

telling him the dept has now been paid direct to council and therefore there is no reason for them to visit you if you let them come on Wednesday they may try to charge you £18 for a second visit

 

don't send them the £24.50 let them send you a bill for it if your dept with the council is paid there is not a lot they can threaten you with apart from small claims court i think I'm not 100/% sure about that bit someone will come along and tell you different if I'm wrong but do send letter on Monday

any advice given is only my opinion and what i have leaned on here

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Yes your right Hallowitch

 

 

thanks for that Ive got to say the bailiffs have done me a favour i first got a p.c. about 6 years ago and to my shame i only used it for poker and e-mails

i can now cut copy paste use office and am learning enough on this site to help others

 

so if you read this Jacobs i would to thank you :)

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don't send them the £24.50 let them send you a bill for it if your dept with the council is paid there is not a lot they can threaten you with apart from small claims court i think I'm not 100/% sure about that bit

 

You are spot on - if the liability order is satisfied BEFORE a levy takes place then the bailiffs have no right to take any further enforcement action.

 

That reduces their charge to the status of an invoice for work done.

 

They then will have to sue you for that amount, and provide evidence to the small claims court that they complied with the law.

 

As tomtubby will hopefully confirm, to comply with the law the bailiff can only charge fees if they actually visit and attempt to speak with the debtor - they can't charge a letter fee, there's no provision for one in the regulations.

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You are spot on - if the liability order is satisfied BEFORE a levy takes place then the bailiffs have no right to take any further enforcement action.

 

That reduces their charge to the status of an invoice for work done.

 

They then will have to sue you for that amount, and provide evidence to the small claims court that they complied with the law.

 

As tomtubby will hopefully confirm, to comply with the law the bailiff can only charge fees if they actually visit and attempt to speak with the debtor - they can't charge a letter fee, there's no provision for one in the regulations.

Chris600UK - just checked out your response on this thread. And thank goodness I did! You've completely put my mind at rest. I got a letter on Monday (dated Friday of course), telling me I had unpaid fines. When I called to pay I was told there were three others. Clearly I've never received any letters concerning the rest. But having read all the complaints on the web (well a few!), I can see why.

I got another letter this morning telling me that because I haven't paid any fines (I have proof of payment through my online bank), that the bailiffs are coming. Now I know, that because everything has been paid, we can simply tell them to go away. I have to say all the posts on various websites were worrying me as I felt as if I'd just been targetted by some sort of conman.

I have also written to Equita and demanded details of the debt, and written to the council involved. With much disgust I might add. I know I shouldn't be surprised but how can councils employ these people!

 

Anyway, a thanks for the link has just turned in to a rant.

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  • 1 year later...

Hi all,

 

I was made redunant last October and as a result I ended up with problems paying my mortgage. This meant I had to use all available funds to try to stave off reposession. My house is now being transferred to a housing association under the mortgage rescue but I have a new problem / threat.

 

I received a letter from Equita bailiffs asking for payment of this years council tax £1078 as I have made only 1 payment this year due to the mortgage problem. I contacted the bailiff and asked to make an arrangement while I await the outcome of a council tax benefit claim. The bailiff flat refused any payment offer and as such has said he will return with a van to collect my belongings for sale at auction.

 

The bailiff has never entered my house and therefore I will be following the councils advice and not let them in if they call again.

 

Is it right that they can refuse to accept offers of payment? Also, what should I do about my car as I believe they can levy on your vehicle?

In the poop without a scoop....

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Hi Hedge

 

Don't let him in.

 

Under the Contract with the Courts Marston Group can accept payments over 6 months, so it should be the same with Equita.

 

Vulnerable person it forms part of the NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR ENFORCEMENT AGENTS may 2002

 

 

 

 

Those who might be potentially vulnerable include:

  • the elderly;
  • people with a disability;
  • the seriously ill;
  • the recently bereaved;
  • single parent families;
  • pregnant women;
  • unemployed people; and,
  • those who have obvious difficulty in understanding, speaking or reading English

http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/infoabout/enforcement/bailiffs/standards.htm#part10

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I think this is Equita who is collecting council tax. Marstons rarely bid for council tax recovery work, they are big on traffic and court fines because this type of work is known in the profession to be more lucrative than chasing unpaid council tax bills.

 

If a debtor doesnt have enough money to pay all the liability then the bailiff has little choice but to accept an affordabel repayment plan. Council tax bailiffs can levy on cars but its not a commonality, its unpaid parking and motiring fines that gets the car lifted by bailiffs. Anyway, make your car and house safe until this matter is resolved.

Professional property investor and conveyancer

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Thanks for the advice.

 

I have spoken to the council recoveries sectiion who said they could not take the debt back and that I should contact Equita to make an arrangement who refused point blank to make any arrangement.

 

I guess I am now resigned to bolting down the hatches and just making payments direct to the council?

In the poop without a scoop....

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Ask to speak to the manager of the benefits and revenues department at your council, it is quite possible you spoke to some back office numpty who works for capita, who works in conjunction with Equita.

Failing that get in touch with your local councillor

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The bailiffs have shoved a notice through my door again this morning stating -:

 

"I will re-attend at your address with immediate effect and may REMOVE goods even in your absence. Should you wish to avoid this distressing course of action, contact me immediately on the telephone number below" .....etc....

 

I decided to give him a call to explain that the CAB are dealing with the issue but he was adamant that because he was acting on behalf of the courts he would be coming back.

 

What do I do now. Do I still just sit tight and ignore his knock at the door? Why has he worded the letter to say that he may remove goods in my absence? He cant break in can he, without a walking posesion etc?

In the poop without a scoop....

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The bailiffs have shoved a notice through my door again this morning stating -:

 

"I will re-attend at your address with immediate effect and may REMOVE goods even in your absence. Should you wish to avoid this distressing course of action, contact me immediately on the telephone number below" .....etc....

 

I decided to give him a call to explain that the CAB are dealing with the issue but he was adamant that because he was acting on behalf of the courts he would be coming back.

 

What do I do now. Do I still just sit tight and ignore his knock at the door? Why has he worded the letter to say that he may remove goods in my absence? He cant break in can he, without a walking posesion etc?

 

You have already proved the letter has had the desired effect and that is what it is meant to do. The Bailiff will cheat, lie, cajole bully etc in order to get you to dance to his tune. It is all hot air. Having said that it is true he may be able to force entry to your home BUT only when he has been back to Court with the Creditors permission AND the Magistrates grant him an Order to do so. He then has to give you a date and time he is coming and it is only IF you then deny him can he force entry - this is something very rarely granted and only in extreme cases of wilful refusal to pay.

 

As long as you deny him entry to your home and keep any effects outside secure - if you have a car then move it well away from your door, at least 10 minutes walk. Eventually he will give up and return the case to the Council but that may take 2 or 3 months.

 

In the meantime you must make some payment to the Council either online or via phone. This proves you are willing to pay but must be done at regular interval with a regular payment - £5/£10 per week for example.

 

PT

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