Hi All
First time post, so forgive transgressions! I have also started to respond to the claim by myself, so again please go easy on mistakes this far.
Basic facts, May 2025, entered car park 10:35hrs , paid £2 for 2 hours, contactless at 10:39(50s), left 12:49(25s).
I did not receive the initial charge as I had failed to update the V5. When I subsequently updated the V5, I received the 'Final Reminder' for £170 in Jan 2026. Picture of notice here
I responded, acknowledged that I was the driver (sorry, have now noted this in 'read first'), but denied the claim, on the basis that the fee was paid within 4 mins of entry and left the car park less than 10 minutes over the paid for time.
In addition, I set out (with photo evidence), that I had in fact been back in the car park at 10:28, but my toddler soiled her nappy so I changed that in the car, hence I was anywhere near 10 mins over. I reserved the right to challenge on additional grounds should the matter proceed.
I sent a separate letter requesting further information, asking the following:
1. You have sent pictures of me driving in and out of the car park, not any pictures of me parked. I therefore have no information as to the time that I was actually parked. Please provide details of the time that you claim I was parked for and therefore why I was in contravention of the terms.
2. Please confirm whether you are a member of the British Parking Association and confirm which version of the Code of Practice applied at the time.
3. Please confirm the amount that you received for payment at the time of parking, and the exact timing of that payment.
4. Please confirm the consideration period you have registered with ATA.
5. Please confirm, following your answers to points 1, 2, and 3 and 4, why you consider that I have exceeded the mandatory grace period as set out in the Code of Practice.
6. Please confirm, as required under the protocol, whether interest or other charges are continuing.
7. Please confirm that DCBL is an approved DVLA ATA registered debt collection agency.
In response, I received a letter of claim from DCBL [amend: DCB Legal], and a response from Euro Car Parks.
The Euro Car Parks response said that the
"signage on site is quite clear and clearly sets out the rules and regulations of the site and tariffs (if applicable.) By entering the site the driver has accepted the contract ... A ticket matching your registration was purchased for £2 this would have entitled your vehicle to park for up to 2 hours according to the clearly displayed tariff. Your vehicle entered at 1035 and exited at 12:49, a total stay of 2 hours and 14 minutes." The P&D/permit purchased did not cover the date and time of the parking and therefore the notice has been issued correctly."
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DCBL [amend: DCB Legal] emailed a link to respond to the LoC. I used the electronic portal to respond, again denying the claim, attaching my detailed letter including photographic evidence, and reiterating my questions.
I received an email reply saying that despite my 'points of discpute, I had not sent any evidence'. I therefore called DCBL [amend: DCB Legal] asking why they were stating this. I was informed that in facf the 'points of dispute' are the questions I had put to them. I asked to speak to a lawyer as even on their best case i had paid within 4 minutes and left <10 mins after my paid for period, and this was before the extenuating circumstances I cite above. I was told my case was 'not suitable for escalation'. However, they acknoeledged that they needed to respond to my requests for information and agreed to do so.
So, that's where I am currently. I am logging my time and have at each point put them on notice as to costs.
Apologies, my scanner isn't working so I can't upload other letters at the moment. Happy to set out more detail or scan in other docs when i'm able.
Thanks in advance for any views and suggestions on next steps.
[Edit: in case useful, this car park is in the process of being demolished and it is not possible to take photos of any signage]
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