Free Traffic Legal Advice

Hi all,

I recently received a letter from Debt Recovery Plus (attached below) claiming that I owe £170 for an alleged parking charge notice (PCN). This letter is the first correspondence I’ve received regarding this issue—I haven’t received a parking ticket on the vehicle nor any previous letters or reminders. I’m now unsure how to proceed and would really appreciate any advice or guidance.

Here are the details:

• Date of alleged parking incident: 09/10/2024

• Location: Wharfside E14 0BN

• Reason for issue: Parked in a no-parking area

• The creditor: Parking Enforcement and Security Services

Important context:

• I was not the driver of the vehicle at the time of the alleged incident.

• The vehicle was being used to drop off a disabled passenger who holds a valid Blue Badge, and the car was not left unattended at any time during the drop-off.

• The vehicle is a registered mobility vehicle.

• I haven’t been provided with any photographic evidence of the alleged parking breach, either in this letter or elsewhere.

I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed as this has come out of nowhere, and I want to avoid making any mistakes in how I respond. I’m not sure if this letter is enforceable since I haven’t seen any prior notice or evidence, and I don’t believe there was a parking violation under the circumstances.

I would be grateful for any advice

• How should I respond to Debt Recovery Plus?

• Should I contact the original parking company mentioned in the letter (Parking Enforcement and Security Services) directly?

• Does the fact that the car is a mobility vehicle and was being used to drop off a disabled passenger provide me with any legal protections?

• Is this something I should ignore, or do I need to respond to avoid escalation?

• What steps can I take to ensure this situation is resolved fairly and without unnecessary financial loss?

I’ve attached a copy of the letter I received for reference. Any help, advice, or shared experiences would mean a lot to me. Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this and offer guidance—I truly appreciate it!

Thank you very much for your advice and reassurance—it’s greatly appreciated.

To clarify, the vehicle is under the Motability Scheme, so the V5C/logbook is held by Motability. However, the vehicle is registered with the DVLA under my name as the registered keeper, though I do not have the V5C/logbook myself.

I didn’t receive the original NTK or any reminders—this letter from Debt Recovery Plus is the first correspondence I’ve seen. The address on the DRP letter is correct.

Are you sure that your correct, current address is on the V5C held by Motability? Have changed address at any time since you received the vehicle?

The most common reason why people don't receive the initial Notice to Keeper (NtK) is because they have not updated their V5C after a move. You need to check this.

As already mentioned, it is too late to appeal. You can safely ignore DRP and any other debt collector. They are powerless to do anything. They are not a party to the contract allegedly breached by the driver. Use their letters as kindling or to line the bottom of a litter tray.

We don't need to see them and you should simply ignore them. What you may want to do, especially of the V5C does not have your current address on it is to send a Data Rectification Notice to the DPO at Parking Services and Enforcement Ltd, instructing them to update their records with your current address for service and to erase the old address and to notify any third party they have passed your information on to. The highlighted words are there for a reason. Use them.

You will need to respond to a Letter of Claim (LoC) should they decide to progress this. A claim is easily defended. The county court is the ultimate dispute resolution service and only a judge would be able to say whether you have a debt.

Let us know if the V5C address is correct and up to date.

How can I remove the attachment with the redacted attachment please??

Just noticed that the reg number and PCN number are still on the letter - you should redact these. 

If you go to Parking Services and Enforcement web site (pessuk.com) you may be able to see the PCN notice - be careful not to tick any boxes that suggest you were the driver.  If you can get the PCN then post it up here (suitably redacted!).  Although you are past the 'official' appeal date you may be able to send in an appeal on a technical point (e.g. keeper liability).  Hopefully b789 will see this and may have some input on the hirer liability for Motability - the situation is unusual in that you are not the owner, but are listed as the reg keeper.  Is the DRP letter addressed to you personally?

Ultimately this may end up with a small claim court case, but it can usually be defended, and the parking co's almost always discontinue before it gets to a hearing, as long as you respond to the claim when it comes.

I've removed the attachment.

Are you sure that your correct, current address is on the V5C held by Motability? Have changed address at any time since you received the vehicle?

The most common reason why people don't receive the initial Notice to Keeper (NtK) is because they have not updated their V5C after a move. You need to check this.

As already mentioned, it is too late to appeal. You can safely ignore DRP and any other debt collector. They are powerless to do anything. They are not a party to the contract allegedly breached by the driver. Use their letters as kindling or to line the bottom of a litter tray.

We don't need to see them and you should simply ignore them. What you may want to do, especially of the V5C does not have your current address on it is to send a Data Rectification Notice to the DPO at Parking Services and Enforcement Ltd, instructing them to update their records with your current address for service and to erase the old address and to notify any third party they have passed your information on to. The highlighted words are there for a reason. Use them.

You will need to respond to a Letter of Claim (LoC) should they decide to progress this. A claim is easily defended. The county court is the ultimate dispute resolution service and only a judge would be able to say whether you have a debt.

Let us know if the V5C address is correct and up to date.

Is this the letter of Claim (Loc) that I need to respond to??

I would be greaful for your assistance

Thank you very much for your support and advice