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1
Private parking tickets / Re: Private company parking ticket
« on: December 06, 2025, 10:51:01 am »
Any suggestions? Cheers

2
Private parking tickets / Re: Private company parking ticket
« on: December 03, 2025, 11:43:16 am »
b789 cheers for a prompt response. Do you mean send the same letter again which you shared with me on 4th November at 9:24 PM? Which was follows! Cheers I really appreciate your kind effort.

By Email and Royal Mail Signed For
Gladstones Solicitors Limited
Unit B,1st Floor
210 Cygnet Court
Centre Park
Warrington
WA1 1PP
Email:Enquiries@gladstonessolicitors.co.uk

Subject: Formal Response to Letter Before Claim - Ref: 104477.5699 | Vehicle: P8650AB

Dear Sirs,

I am writing in response to your Letter Before Claim dated 28th October 2025, on behalf of Euro Parking Services Limited.

I must bring to your attention that your letter fails to comply with the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims (PAPDC). It omits the essential details and evidence required by paragraphs 3.1(a)-(d), 5.1, and 5.2, as well as the related Practice Direction. The purpose of these rules is to ensure fairness and enable parties to understand a claim's merits before court action is considered.

Specifically, your letter references a "contract" but provides no evidence of it. It is impossible for me to assess the claim's validity, or to respond meaningfully, without sight of the fundamental documents your client is relying upon.

To regularise this matter and allow me to fulfil my own obligations under the Protocol, please provide the following information and documents:

1. A copy of the original Notice to Keeper and any subsequent notices, to demonstrate your client's compliance with the Protection of Freedoms Act (PoFA) 2012.
2. Clear, dated photographic evidence of the specific signage in place at the location on the date of the alleged event, showing its full terms and positioning. A generic stock image is not sufficient.
3. The precise terms of the contractual clause which I am alleged to have breached.
4. A copy of the contract or agreement between your client and the landowner that grants the authority to manage parking controls and to pursue legal proceedings.
5. A full breakdown of the £160 sum claimed, clarifying the nature of the principal charge and detailing the added costs, including whether VAT is applied to the "debt recovery" fee.

I am entitled to this information under the Practice Direction to proceed meaningfully. Upon receipt of a compliant Letter Before Claim that includes this evidence, I will provide a substantive formal response within 30 days as stipulated by the Protocol.

Please be advised that if you proceed with court action without first providing the requested documentation, I will bring your firm's failure to comply with the Pre-Action Protocol to the attention of the court. In such an event, I will seek appropriate sanctions, including a stay of the proceedings and an application for my costs to be paid by your client due to this non-compliance. Furthermore, persistent use of non-compliant letters may lead to a formal complaint to the Solicitors Regulation Authority regarding your conduct.

Given the deficiencies in your initial correspondence, it would be premature and contrary to the overriding objective to issue proceedings at this stage. I await your response and the provision of the requested documents.

For the avoidance of doubt, I will not engage with any third-party web portal and will only correspond via email or post.

Yours faithfully,

[Your Signature]

[Your Printed Name]

Or rebuttal as follows.

Subject: Formal Response to Non-Compliant Evidence Pack - Ref: 104477.5699

Dear Bethany / Gladstones Solicitors,

Thank you for your email of [Date] and the attached documents in relation to the above matter.

I refer to my letter of [Date of your previous letter], sent in response to your Letter Before Claim, in which I formally requested specific information and documents under the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims (PAPDC). This request was made to understand the basis of your client's claim and to facilitate its resolution, as the Protocol intends.

I have reviewed the attachments labelled as an "Evidence Pack." I must state that this bundle is entirely non-compliant with my request and the requirements of the PAPDC.

The documents provided are merely a chain of your client's own correspondence and my initial appeal. They do not include the key evidence necessary to assess the claim's validity, which I specifically requested, including:

· The contract with the landowner granting your client the authority to manage parking and, crucially, to pursue litigation in their own name.
· Clear, dated photographic evidence of the signage as installed at the site on the material date.
· A detailed explanation of how your client has complied with all requirements of the Protection of Freedoms Act (PoFA) 2012.

Without these documents, it is impossible for me to understand the contractual basis of the claim, verify your client's standing to bring it, or assess the fairness and prominence of the terms alleged to have been breached.

Your client's attempt to proceed towards court action without providing this foundational information constitutes a clear failure to comply with the PAPDC and the related Practice Direction. Issuing proceedings in these circumstances would be premature, contrary to the overriding objective, and an abuse of process.

Therefore, I will not be making the payment you demand by 16th December 2025.

My position remains as stated in my previous letter. I require a full and compliant response to my original requests. Should your client disregard this and issue a County Court Claim, I will immediately apply to the court for a stay of proceedings and seek an order that your client provides the disclosure it is currently withholding. I will also seek costs against your client for this failure to follow due process.

I expect your substantive response with the requested documentation within 14 days.

Yours faithfully,

[Your Name]

3
Private parking tickets / Re: Private company parking ticket
« on: December 02, 2025, 09:13:22 pm »
I am highlighting these specific issues for the experts to analyse:

· Signage & Grace Period: The "Notice of Rejection" (2nd attachment) states the rule is "patrons whilst on the premises only." The PCN details (4th attachment) show your parking duration was from 15:40:41 to 15:44:49. This is a total of 4 minutes and 8 seconds. Argue that this is within a reasonable grace period for reading signs and leaving, and the charge is therefore disproportionate.
· Missing Core Evidence: The "Evidence Pack" is a red herring. Emphasise that the landowner contract is the single most important missing document. Without it, they cannot prove they have the legal standing ("locus standi") to take you to court.
· Beavis Case Misapplication: The parking company's reference to the ParkingEye v Beavis case is a standard scare tactic. The forum experts can advise you that this precedent applies to clear, prominent signage in managed car parks (like retail parks), and its relevance to a single-cloth-shop scenario with alleged unclear signage is highly disputable.

4
Private parking tickets / Re: Private company parking ticket
« on: December 02, 2025, 09:10:34 pm »
I plan to to send them following letter! Should it be a recorded delivery or just an email as they sent me their rely via email.


Subject: Formal Response to Non-Compliant Evidence Pack - Ref: 104477.5699

Dear Bethany / Gladstones Solicitors,

Thank you for your email of [Date] and the attached documents in relation to the above matter.

I refer to my letter of [Date of your previous letter], sent in response to your Letter Before Claim, in which I formally requested specific information and documents under the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims (PAPDC). This request was made to understand the basis of your client's claim and to facilitate its resolution, as the Protocol intends.

I have reviewed the attachments labelled as an "Evidence Pack." I must state that this bundle is entirely non-compliant with my request and the requirements of the PAPDC.

The documents provided are merely a chain of your client's own correspondence and my initial appeal. They do not include the key evidence necessary to assess the claim's validity, which I specifically requested, including:

· The contract with the landowner granting your client the authority to manage parking and, crucially, to pursue litigation in their own name.
· Clear, dated photographic evidence of the signage as installed at the site on the material date.
· A detailed explanation of how your client has complied with all requirements of the Protection of Freedoms Act (PoFA) 2012.

Without these documents, it is impossible for me to understand the contractual basis of the claim, verify your client's standing to bring it, or assess the fairness and prominence of the terms alleged to have been breached.

Your client's attempt to proceed towards court action without providing this foundational information constitutes a clear failure to comply with the PAPDC and the related Practice Direction. Issuing proceedings in these circumstances would be premature, contrary to the overriding objective, and an abuse of process.

Therefore, I will not be making the payment you demand by 16th December 2025.

My position remains as stated in my previous letter. I require a full and compliant response to my original requests. Should your client disregard this and issue a County Court Claim, I will immediately apply to the court for a stay of proceedings and seek an order that your client provides the disclosure it is currently withholding. I will also seek costs against your client for this failure to follow due process.

I expect your substantive response with the requested documentation within 14 days.

Yours faithfully,

[Your Name]


How does above sound?

5
Private parking tickets / Re: Private company parking ticket
« on: December 02, 2025, 09:08:29 pm »
Their reply as follows.


104477.5699 / 1028712 / Euro Parking Services Limited -v- Shazad
Good Afternoon, 

 

Thank you for your emails.

 

Please find attached the Evidence Pack which we trust to be self-explanatory.

 

Our Client is therefore satisfied the case against you should proceed unless the debt owing of £160.00 is discharged in full. To ensure no further action is taken, you should make payment on or before 16th December 2025.

 

If you do not make payment, we are instructed to issue legal proceedings to recover the outstanding balance in full. Should it become necessary to issue legal proceedings, we suggest you follow the steps on the claim form upon receipt of the same.

 

Payment can be made to the account detailed as follows: 

 

Gladstones Solicitors Ltd   

Barclays Bank     

Account Number: 33028712   

Sort Code: 20-24-09   

 

Please quote the above reference number 104477.5699 when making payment to ensure the payment can be allocated correctly.


Kind Regards,

 

Bethany

Legal Assistant



1st attachment as follows


LETTER BEFORE COURT ACTION
Re: PCN number: 1028712
Amount Due: £160.00
Vehicle Reg: P8650 AB
We are the Claimant and are now about to commence legal action against you in order to recover the amount due above as you have failed to settle the debt that is owing, or provide a valid reason for non-payment.
We wrote to you a short time ago but the following amounts are still outstanding. PCN number
1028712
Date of Charge
Location
16/06/2024
MSGL Fashions
Charge Amount
£160.00
The debt relates to the parking charge(s) (detailed above) for which you are liable. We have previously provided you with the full details of this charge as per the Parking Charge Notices and/or Notices to the Driver/Keeper that have been served on you.
We intend to rely on these documents in the event of Court action being taken against you.
We refer you to the Practice Direction for Pre-Action Conduct under the Civil Procedure Rules and in particular paragraph 13-16 of the same, which deals with the Court's powers to impose sanctions for any failure to comply.
We now require you to pay the full amount within 14 days. Alternatively, please provide an acknowledgement of receipt of this letter and a full written response within 14 days of this letter. Your response should provide your full account of the circumstances that led to the charge being imposed and if it was not you driving, include confirmation as to who the driver(s) of the vehicle(s) was/were at the time of each incident and a current address for service of each driver that you name.
Unless you provide us with a satisfactory response, we will instruct our Solicitors (Gladstone's Solicitors) to commence proceedings against you without further notice in order to recover the amounts due and associated costs.
Upon the commencement of legal proceedings, the amount we will claim will increase due to court costs, solicitor's costs and statutory interest.
Yours sincerely
Euro Parking Services Limited
Email: enforcement@europarkingservices.com Registered in England & Wales. Registered Address: Office 2, 51 Pinfold Street, Birmingham, B2 4AY Company Registration number: 09370159
Euro Parking Services Ltd. Tel: 0845 121 0065
SafeContractor
APPROVED
IPCI OPERATOR
GET YOUR REG RI GHT
DON'T GET A PARKING CHARGE EASE INPUT FOR FULL REGISTRATION
www.GETYOURREGRIGHT/MFO


2nd attachment as follows.

Re: Parking Charge Notice Number 1028712 (Vehicle: P8650AB)
Site: MSGL Fashions
Issue date: 19/06/2024
We acknowledge receipt of your appeal (representations) received on 22/06/2024 in relation to the above Parking Charge Notice (PCN).
We have reviewed your appeal and in doing so, we took into account the representations that you made in support of your appeal as well as evidence which was submitted. We reached the decision that in this instance, the Parking Charge was issued correctly for the following reason(s).
The car park is free for patrons whilst on the premises only. This is in place so that there is sufficient spaces available for customers. Any vehicle found parked onsite who's driver has gone elsewhere is liable for a parking charge notice (PCN).
Note, signs stating the terms and conditions of the car park are prominently displayed in and around the site and are obvious to any person who enters the site. It is incumbent upon motorists to read them. If they choose to ignore them then they submit to the terms nonetheless. All sites are audited by the IPC to ensure that they meet all the standard requirements including signage.
We are satisfied that the Parking Charge Notice was issued correctly and that sufficient attention was brought to the driver with regards to the terms and Conditions enforced. In light of the aforementioned, your appeal (representations) is rejected. We will not accept any further appeals. We have now extended the discounted payment period by 14 days to allow you time to pay the discounted settlement amount. Please now make payment of £60.00. We must advise you that once the discounted settlement rate passes it will not be offered again. If you believe this decision is incorrect, you are entitled to appeal to the Independent Appeals Service (IAS). In order to appeal, you will need your parking charge number, your vehicle registration and the date the charge was originally issued. Appeals must be submitted to the IAS within 21 days of the date of this letter. However, if you choose this option your Parking Charge will automatically increase to £100. Please visit www.theias.org for full details. Payment can be made using a debit or credit card by calling the automated payment line on 0845 121 0065 or online at www.europarkingservices.com. You may send a cheque or postal order made payable to Euro Parking Services Ltd. Please ensure you write your Parking Charge Notice number clearly on the reverse. Please do not send cash through the post. For our full Complaints Procedure please visit www.europarkingservices.com. Should you consider not making a payment, we must draw your attention to the landmark decision in the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, dated 4th November 2015, Parking Eye Ltd- v -Mr Barry Beavis. Further details on the case can be found at https://www.supreme court.uk/cases/uksc-2015-0116.html. This case was seen as an important 'test
ACCREDITED
Euro Parking Services Ltd. Tel: 0845 121 0065
Email: enforcement@europarkingservices.com
Registered in England & Wales. Registered Address: Office 2, 51 Pinfold Street, Birmingham, B2 4AY Company Registration number: 09370159
OPCI
IAS
www.the AS.org
OPERATOR
case' due to the complex legal arguments used by both sides. The ruling sets a legally binding precedent on all similar cases for the while of the United Kingdom. If a payment is not received by the above date we will commence court action to recover what you owe. This will include additional charges to include (but not limited to) legal and court costs. Should judgement be awarded in our favour, this may affect your ability to obtain credit in the future.
O

3rd attachment as follows.

Submitted at 20:22 on 22nd June 2024 Contact Email: amiratpak@hotmail.com
Ticket Number: 1028712
Vehicle Registration: P8650AB
Note: Driver was the selected choice.
Appeal:
Hi dear Sir/madam I have received a PCN from Euro Parking Service for alleged contravention of parking for patrons whilst on the premises only. There are no clear signposts or warning signs like Birmingham city council signposts for preventing somebody to avoid taking their car there. Had I seen a sign post, I would have been cautious to not take my car there even momentarily. I have gone back to premises in question and there is no way to see a sign post and determine whether it is a restricted car park access. This PCN is unfair as in absence of a clear sign post how could anybody tell if a certain parking spot is restricted. I hereby request you to please cancel this unfair PCN. I shell be grateful for your consideration. Many many thanks

4th attachment as follows.

Birmingham
Site Name & Location:
MSGL Fashions
403 Coventry Road Birmingham B100SP
Contravention (Reason for Issue):
Parking for patrons whilst on the premises only
PCN Ref No:
Date Posted:
19/06/2024
PCN Issue Date:
19/06/2024
1028712
P8650AB
Volkswagen
Golf Cl Auto
VRM (Registration No):
Vehicle Make:
Vehicle Model:
Contravention Date:
Contravention Time:
16/06/2024
15:44
Period of Parking
(Occurred between the times stated below):
From: 15:40:41
26-6-22 15:10 51
To:
16-06-22 15:41 6
15:44:49
P865 0AB
The contravention was detected and recorded at the privately operated car park/site specified opposite.
The driver of the above vehicle is liable for the Parking Charge for which payment is now due.
This charge relates to the period of parking (including remaining at the Car Park/Site) between the entry and exit times specified for this notice, the charge having been incurred for the reason stated and liability for the same having been brought to the attention of the driver by clear signage in and around the Site at the time of parking.
Data Processing: Please note that we have either obtained your name and address as the Registered Keeper of the vehicle from the DVLA in accordance with the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) Regulations 2002 or, subsequent to our request to the DVLA you have been named as the Keeper. If you consider that such information has been used or obtained inappropriately you may complain to the DVLA (www.gov.uk/-contact-the-dvla) or the Information Commissioner (www.ico.org.uk) Photographic evidence and data is held on file to support this claim in accordance with the relevant Data Protection Legislation and is used for the sole purpose of pursuing settlement of this Parking Charge.
Our Data Protection Officer can be contacted at dpo@europarkingservices.com
You can view our Privacy Notice at: europarkingservices.com/privacy-policy.html
The Creditor is: Euro Parking Services Limited.
Failure to make a payment within 28 days after the second day of the issue date of this Notice will result in the full charge of £100.00 being applied plus additional costs incurred through debt recovery and/or court action. Where debt recovery action is taken, further charges may be incurred and will be added to the value of the PCN up to the value of an additional £60.00. Where court action is taken, additional charges and interest may be incurred. Non-payment of a Court Order may adversely affect your credit rating and employability.
At the issue date of this notice, we do not know both the name and current address for service for the driver and as the registered keeper of the vehicle you are now invited to: (i) Pay the unpaid Parking Charge (see Section A on the reverse of this Notice); OR (ii) If you were not the driver of the vehicle, to notify us of the full name of the driver and current address for service of the driver by following the instructions on Section C on the reverse of this notice AND pass this Notice on to the driver.
Please be warned; that if, after the period of 28 days beginning with the day after that on which the Notice is given (i) the amount of the unpaid Parking Charge specified in this Notice has not been paid in full, and () we do not know both the name of the driver and a current address for service for the driver, we have the right to recover from you, so much of that Parking Charge as remains unpaid.
This notice will be deemed to have been received by you on the second working day after the posted date stated above unless the contrary is proved.
PLEASE SEE REVERSE OF THIS NOTICE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON WHAT TO DO NEXT, INCLUDING HOW TO APPEAL.
PCN Ref No:
1028712
You have been issued with this notice, DO NOT IGNORE. As appropriate (A) Pay the parking Charge (B) Appeal the charge or (C) Notify us of the person responsible for this charge. See below for further information.
(A): How to pay your Charge
Payments can be made quickly, easily and securely using our 24 hour payment options below.
Issue Date: 19/06/2024
VRM:
P8650AB
(B): Appeal your Charge
How to Appeal
Appeal Deadline
04/07/2024
To submit your appeal visit www.europarkingservices.com
Appeals Process
Appeals or challenges against this notice may be made

5th attachment as follows.


Date Posted:
PCN Issue Date:
PCN Ref No:
VRM (Registration No.).
Vehicle Make:
26/07/2024
19/06/2024
1028712
P8650AB
Volkswagen
Amount of Charge:
£100
Payment details are on reverse of this Notice
A Notice to Driver (NTD) has previously been served on the driver of the vehicle containing full details of this charge.
The driver of the above vehicle is liable for a Parking Charge in the above amount which, at the date of this notice, remains unpaid in full and for which the Balance Due remains outstanding.
This charge relates to the period of parking (including remaining at the Car Park/Site) between the entry and exit times specified for this notice, the charge having been incurred for the reason stated and liability for the same having been brought to the attention of the driver by clear signage in and around the Site at the time of parking.
Data Processing: Please note that we have either obtained your name and address as the Registered Keeper of the vehicle from the DVLA in accordance with the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) Regulations 2002 or, subsequent to our request to the DVLA you have been named as the Keeper (for example, because ownership of the vehicle has been transferred to you.) If you consider that such information has used or obtained
inappropriately you may complain to the DVLA (www.gov.uk/contact-the-dvla) or the Information Commissioner (www.ico.org.uk) Photographic evidence and data is held on file
support this claim in accordance with the relevant Data Protection Legislation and is used for the sole purpose of pursuing settlement of this Parking Charge.
Our Data Protection Officer can be contacted at dpo@europarkingservices.com You can view our Privacy Notice at: europarkingservices.com/privacy-policy.html
Vehicle Model:
Golf Cl Auto
Contravention Date:
16/06/2024
Contravention Time:
15:44
Site Name & Location: MSGL Fashions, 403 Coventry Road, Birmingham, B100SP
Contravention (Reason for Issue):
Parking for patrons whilst on the premises only
Period of Parking (occurred between the times stated below).
Payment is now required in the sum of £100.00 within 28 days of the issue date of this notice, i.e. no later than 25/07/2024.
From:
16-06-2024 See 15:40:54
The Creditor is: Euro Parking Services Limited.
Failure to make a payment within 28 days after the second day of the issue date of this Notice will result in additional costs incurred through debt recovery and/or court action. Where debt recovery action is taken, further charges may be incurred and will be added to the value of the PCN up to the value of an additional £60.00. Where court action is taken, additional charges and interest may be incurred. Non-payment of a Court Order may adversely affect your credit rating and employability.
Please be warned; that if, after the period of 28 days beginning with the second day after the Issue Date of this Notice, the amount of the unpaid parking charge specified in this Notice has not been paid in full we will have the right to recover from you, the Keeper, any unpaid balance of the Parking Charge. This Notice will be deemed to have been received by you on the second working day after the Issue Date stated above unless the contrary is proved.
15:40:41
To:
16-06-2024 S 15:41:16
15:44:49
P865 0AB
Please see reverse of this notice for more information on what to do next, including how to appeal.
Euro Parking Services Ltd | Registered in England & Wales | Company Registration Number: 09370159❘ Registered Office: Office 2, 51 Pinfold Street, Birmingham, B2 4AY
EPCK
PCN Ref No:
1028712
You have been issued with this Notice, DO NOT IGNORE. As appropriate (A) Pay the parking charge (B) Appeal the charge or (C) Notify us of the person responsible for this charge. See below for further information.
(A): How to pay your Charge
Payments can be made quickly, easily and securely
Heing our 24 hour naumont antione holow
Issue Date: 19/06/2024 VRM: P8650AB
(B): Appeal your Charge
Appeals Process
Π
510
A Notice to Keeper was sent to the Registered Keeper relating to this charge. The Keeper/Driver/Hirer made use of this to dispute liability for this Parking Charge Notice. The appeal was reviewed by the Creditor and was rejected.

5th attachment as follows

Gladstone solicitors

Empira

Sign logos of solicitors company rather than of their client



"Situation: I received a Letter Before Claim from Gladstones Solicitors for a private Parking Charge Notice (PCN) from June 2024. As advised, I sent a formal request for an 'Evidence Pack' as required by the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims, specifically asking for key documents like the landowner contract, clear signage photos, and PoFA compliance details.

Their Response: Gladstones have replied, stating they are attaching an 'Evidence Pack' and demanding payment by December 16th. However, the attachments are merely a collection of their own previous letters and my initial appeal—not the contractual documents, site signage evidence, or landowner authority I requested.

Core Problem: They are trying to proceed to court without having first provided the fundamental evidence their claim is built upon. Their 'pack' does not contain the contract they allege I breached or proof of their authority to enforce and litigate. This is a clear failure to comply with the Pre-Action Protocol, which is designed to enable fair, out-of-court settlement.

Request: I need a robust, formal letter to send back, rejecting their non-compliant evidence pack and insisting they provide the requested documents before any meaningful discussion or court action can proceed. I am preparing to defend this in court if necessary, but they must follow the rules first."

6
Private parking tickets / Re: Private company parking ticket
« on: November 04, 2025, 11:23:18 pm »
thanks a lot 👍

7
Private parking tickets / Re: Private company parking ticket
« on: November 04, 2025, 06:28:14 pm »
I look forward for feedback on this proposed letter which I intend to send via recorded delivery possibly tomorrow unless there is a strong argument it will not be good enough. Cheers

8
Private parking tickets / Re: Private company parking ticket
« on: November 04, 2025, 06:22:09 pm »
Cheers for feedback and help!

9
Private parking tickets / Re: Private company parking ticket
« on: November 04, 2025, 06:18:28 pm »
How does following sound if I post it to the debt collector solicitors?



[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Postcode]

[Date]

Gladstones Solicitors Limited
Unit B,1st Floor
210 Cygnet Court
Centre Park
Warrington
WA1 1PP

Subject: Formal Dispute of Letter Before Claim - Ref: 104477.5699 / Vehicle P8650AB

Dear Sirs,

I am in receipt of your Letter Before Claim dated 28th October 2025, acting on behalf of Euro Parking Services Limited.

I formally dispute this claim in its entirety on multiple grounds.

1. Significant and Prejudicial Delay:
Your client's claim relates to an alleged event occurring approximately six months ago.The Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims mandates that claimants must act promptly. This substantial and unexplained delay is prejudicial, hindering a detailed recollection of the event, and demonstrates a lack of seriousness in pursuing the matter. I reserve the right to bring this undue delay to the attention of the court.

2. Disproportionate Charge for a De Minimis Breach:
The charge is based on an alleged overstay of a mereone minute beyond the grace period. I contend that this is a de minimis (too trivial to be considered) breach and that the sum of £160 is therefore a grossly disproportionate penalty. It does not, and cannot, represent a genuine pre-estimate of any loss suffered by the landowner for a vehicle being present for one additional minute. The charge is an unenforceable penalty clause.

3. Insufficient Signage:
I dispute that the signage at the location was adequate to form a fair,transparent, and binding contract, particularly in relation to the terms concerning such a minor overstay.

To comply with the Pre-Action Protocol and enable me to address this claim fully, I require the following information and documents:

· A complete and unredacted copy of all evidence, including all photographic evidence.
· A clear, dated copy of the "Notice to Keeper" sent for this charge.
· A detailed breakdown of how your client has complied with all the requirements of the Protection of Freedoms Act (PoFA) 2012.
· Clear, dated photographs of the signage at the location, demonstrating its prominence, legibility, and the specific terms from the driver's perspective on the date of the event.
· A detailed justification of how the £160 charge constitutes a genuine pre-estimate of your client's loss, specifically in the context of a one-minute overstay.

Until this information is provided, I am unable to take any meaningful steps toward resolution. The burden remains on your client to prove its case.

Should your client choose to issue court proceedings without first providing this information and addressing the substantive points raised, I will defend the claim in full and seek to recover my costs, citing this letter as evidence of my reasonable attempts to adhere to the Pre-Action Protocol.

I await your response and the provision of the requested documents within 14 days.

Yours faithfully,

[Your Signature]

[Your Printed Name]

---

Why This is So Effective

1. "De Minimis" Argument: Using the legal term de minimis (Latin for "about minimal things") shows a sophisticated understanding that some breaches are too trivial to enforce. A court is highly unlikely to look favourably on a £160 claim for a 1-minute overstay.
2. Focus on Proportionality: It directly challenges the core of their claim—that the charge is a genuine pre-estimate of loss. It is impossible to argue that the landowner suffered £160 of loss in 60 seconds.
3. Combined Defence:  three strong fronts:
   · Procedure: The 6-month delay.
   · Substance: The trivial nature of the breach.
   · Law: The charge being an unfair penalty.

 Action Plan

 title: "Gladstones LBC - 1 MINUTE Overstay & 6-Month Delay - Strong Defence?"
   · The experts will love this. A 1-minute overstay is a dream scenario for building a defence. They will confirm the strength of the de minimis argument.
 It is highly unlikely Gladstones will want to explain to a judge why they are pursuing a £160 claim for a 1-minute overstay after a 6-month delay.

10
Private parking tickets / Private company parking ticket
« on: November 04, 2025, 02:37:40 pm »
Mr xyz
ABC
Zone A
70763121501Eco1269311A1344
301W10B2J00072
GS
GLADSTONES
SOLICITORS
Please quote our reference on all correspondence: 104477.5699
28th October 2025
TO PAY CALL GLADSTONES ON 0333 023 0049
Speak to us on 01565 755 088
WARNING:
DO NOT IGNORE THIS NOTICE - COURT PROCEEDINGS ARE IMMINENT
Dear Mr xyz,
Our Client: Amount Due: Vehicle Reg:
Euro Parking Services Limited
£160.00
P8650AB
We write further to our Letter before Claim dated the 25th April 2025.
We strongly recommend you consider the content carefully as it contains important legal information. The Pre-Action Protocol ('PAP') period has expired.
To ensure no further action is taken, you should make payment no later than 14 days from the date on
this letter.
In the event we do not receive payment within the time scale specified, our Client reserves all its rights, including the right to commence Court proceedings, without further reference to you, and further costs will be sought.
Yours Sincerely
Gladstones Solicitors
Gladstones Solicitors Limited
www.gladstonessolicitors.co.uk
Gladstones Solicitors Limited, Registered in England and Wales (07535449). Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (559050).
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adstoes Solicitors complies with Data Protection Legislation. A copy of our Privacy State and Arther infomican found ar gladstonessolicitors.co.uk
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Gladstones Solicitors
Unit B, 1st Floor 210 Cygnet Court
Centre Park
Warrington WA1 1PP
01565 755 088
Enquiries@gladstonessolicitors.co.uk
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Hi everyone,

I'm hoping for some advice regarding a Letter before Claim I've received from Gladstones Solicitors, acting for Euro Parking Services Limited. The original charge was for £100, but with their added costs, they are now demanding £160.

Here’s a timeline of what’s happened:

1. I received a Parking Charge Notice (PCN) from Euro Parking Services about six months ago. It was issued on private land (in front of a retail shop, not council land). The original charge was £60.
2. I spoke to the property landlord at the time, as the property was connected to the land. He assured me he would get it cancelled and, as a gesture, I paid him half of the original fine. However, he has not provided any proof of cancellation.
3. I heard nothing for months, but have now received this escalated Letter before Claim from Gladstones, who are acting as debt collectors.

The parking company does have some photographic evidence of the vehicle.

My main questions are:

· Given the significant delay of around six months since the initial PCN, is this a strong point in my favour? The Pre-Action Protocol stresses promptness, and this feels like they've let it sit.
· I was under the common misconception that private parking charges were unenforceable and that the aggressive letters were just intimidation. I now understand from reading more that firms like Gladstones do frequently use the small claims court, despite the relatively low amount.
· My initial instinct was to ignore this, believing that if they were serious, they would have filed a claim months ago. I also have an excellent credit history which I am extremely keen to protect, so I now realise ignoring this is too risky.

What is my best move here? Should I focus on the delay and the lack of proof from the landlord, or are there more solid defences I should be using in my response to Gladstones?

Any guidance or template language would be hugely appreciated. I can provide a redacted copy of the letter if helpful.

Thanks in advance for your help.

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