Hi all,
I’m seeking advice regarding a parking charge I received from Smart Parking Ltd, which has now been passed to DCBL (Direct Collection Bailiffs Ltd) for debt recovery. The total outstanding amount is £170.
Background:
• The original PCN (Parking Charge Notice) is dated 09/04/2022.
• Location: KFC New Oscott, Birmingham.
• My vehicle: **
• PCN Number: ***
• DCBL Reference Number: **
At the time,the driver was working as a fast food delivery driver, collecting orders from that KFC branch. I spoke to the KFC manager on duty and was informed that he will send them an email. He said cancelled my other tickets , but unfortunately, this appears to have not been cancelled.
I only became aware of the situation when I received a final debt recovery notice from DCBL in July 2025, stating legal action may follow.
Points I’d like advice on:
1. Is there any way to still dispute or appeal this, given that the driver was working and believed the charge would be cancelled?
2. Can I request the charge be cancelled based on my role as a delivery driver and what the manager told me?
3. Should I respond to DCBL directly, or reach out to Smart Parking instead?
4. Can this affect my credit score, and is this case enforceable in court?
Any help or suggestions on how to handle this fairly would be greatly appreciated. I have copies of the original PCN and the DCBL letter if needed.
Thanks in advance.
[ Guests cannot view attachments ]
- Smart will say you’re too late to appeal now
- You should ask KFC
- Ignore DCBL now, and for ever. Do not talk to debt collectors
- No. Even if you lose in court - you won’t - you pay up within 30 days and there is no effect on your credit score etc.
Please read
https://www.ftla.uk/private-parking-tickets/read-this-first-private-parking-charges-forum-guide/ and post the things it asks for. You already mention them, the original PCN anyway, we don’t care about DCBL.
Your route forward is to wait until you receive a Letter of Claim, respond and submit a defence in due course, and see the case discontinued. It will take months. You need to stay on top of the paperwork. You will get advice and support here.
Do not identify the driver, this may be important, modify your post to refer to “the driver”. You are presumably the registered keeper. Smart frequently fails to comply with legal requirements to hold the registered keeper liable when the driver is not identified.
Update, now I have received DCB legal letter of claim , what do I do , do O respond and ignore please
Just do a search of the forum for LoC and DCB Legal. Use any of the responses advised for the most recent ones.