Free Traffic Legal Advice
Live cases legal advice => Private parking tickets => Topic started by: Em123 on December 19, 2025, 12:47:32 am
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You have not answered the first and most important advice you were given: show us the Particulars of Claim (PoC), word for word. Without the PoC we cannot see what cause of action they are actually pleading, what they say you did wrong, or what elements they have failed to plead. With Moorside Legal in particular, their PoC are often so bad that they fail to comply with CPR 16.4(1)(a) that the whole claim can be attacked on that basis, but we need to see them to advise properly.
As for your defence, you have unfortunately made a bit of a mess of it.
First, you have admitted you were the driver. That removes a major line of defence in most private parking claims, because it gifts them the identity they would otherwise struggle to prove and makes the case simpler for them to run.
Second, you have given them a neat, claimant-friendly story by describing leaving the vehicle and walking to a shop. UKCPS and their solicitors love framing that as “leaving site” or “unauthorised parking”, even where the reality is that the driver was only trying to understand whether parking was permitted. You have done their job for them by handing them wording they can quote back at you.
Third, it is vague and not properly structured as a defence. It does not clearly rebut the pleaded cause of action (because we have not seen the PoC), it does not put them to strict proof of landowner authority, signage terms, contract formation, or the basis for any added sums, and it does not properly set out why no contract was formed or why no breach occurred. It reads more like a complaint narrative than a legal defence.
None of that is fatal on its own, but it is the sort of weak, imprecise defence that encourages a parking firm and their bulk litigator to press on. When a defence looks thin and concedes key points, they are more likely to believe you will fold, and they will often take it all the way to a hearing because they think you are an easy win or an easy settlement.
The good news is that you can still fight this properly, but you need to start following the advice you have been given. Post the exact Particulars of Claim and the key document, the Notice to Keeper (NtK) you first received about the alleged contravention.
The Witness Statement and evidence stage is where you can repair a lot of this by presenting a clear, coherent account supported by evidence and by forcing them to prove what they assert. This is where we can assist, but only if you start following the advice and showing us the PoC and the original NtK (we do not need to see anything else. No reminders and certainly no debt recovery letters)
Most importantly, on your own facts, you still have a sensible position: you were only there for a few moments because the signage did not make it obvious whether parking was permitted, you left the vehicle briefly to clarify, you were told it was not permitted, and you left promptly. That is entirely consistent with a reasonable consideration period and with the point that no contract can be formed if the terms are not clear and you leave as soon as you realise you are not authorised to stay. If that is genuinely the timeline, then you should be encouraged by it, but you need to stop drip-feeding and show the PoC so the advice can be targeted and you can build a proper case from here
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My defence
I was driving the vehicle referred to in this claim. I deny liability in its entirety and submit the following defence.
I entered the car park briefly. The signage at the site was unclear and did not adequately explain the parking restrictions or who was permitted to park there. Due to the ambiguity I left the car park on foot and walked approximately 20 yards to a nearby shop to clarify if parking was permitted. The shop staff were unsure so I promptly returned to the car having been away for no more than a minute and moved the car.
Upon receiving the parking charge notice I submitted an appeal I received no response. I then later started receiving demand letters for larger amounts. I then wrote 2 written letters both of which went without a reply.
I have acted reasonably and responsibly at every stage and my genuine attempts to communicate were ignored. I dispute the validity of this claim in full.
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If you want assistance, we first need to know precisely the Particulars of Claim (PoC). However, as this is a claim submitted by the utter incompetents at Moorside Legal, they PoC will be insufficient to explain the cause of action. We will also need to know the exact wording of your defence. We do not want paraphrasing. Show us, word for word, what you entered as your defence.
Show us the original (not any reminders) Notice to Keeper (NtK) that you received and any evidence they have provided you such as photos and any appeal rejection statements.
Once you have shown us the above information, we will be able to advise on whether your defence has FUBAR'd anything.
READ THIS FIRST - Private Parking Charges Forum guide (https://www.ftla.uk/private-parking-tickets/read-this-first-private-parking-charges-forum-guide/)
Posting Images (https://www.ftla.uk/announcements/posting-images/#new)
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Moorside will try to pressure you.
They will have no chance in court (assuming what you say is true).
It might be an idea to post up the LoC so we can pick through the details of the claim - redact personal details only.
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Hello,
I would possibly like some help re UKCPS.
Thanks in advance for any support. I have received a claim form for a PCN with UKCPS and I am seeking advice. I have sent a written defence before I found this forum. Hoping I haven’t said anything wrong. Here are the facts
July 2023 Driver parked in a UKCPS car park in Leeds that boarded multiple shops.
Driver left the vehicle as unsure from signage who was allowed to park there. Asked in a shop if able to park. They were unsure so moved car. Will not had been there over 2 minutes.
I submitted my appeal back in 2023 but never received any communication back from UKCPS that it had been rejected, the next communication was demanding more money from me. Therefore was never able to pay the reduced fee of £60. They have picture of the car then someone walking away and crossing an undefined boundary.
I think I’m in a strong position.
1. Driver parked for less than 2 minutes (well short of a grace period)
2. Inadequate signage as to who was allowed to park there.
3. Never responded to my original appeal
Risk of court/ CCJ scary to me. I have received a LOC. Submitted a hand written defence explaining the above. I wish I had found this forum before I had sent my defence.
I have now had correspondence from Moorside Legal. They are pursing the claim and sent me a copy of their Directions Questionnaire for the courts.
It doesn't feel like I need to do anything from my side yet but mentions getting back to them in 7 days. Should I respond to their email? Should I submit my own N180?
Thanks in advance