Hi all,
Posting on behalf of a friend regarding a private parking charge from Euro Car Parks at M&B – The Cunning Man (Reading).
Summary of situation:
- Alleged contravention date: 11/08/2025
- Operator: Euro Car Parks
- Debt collector: Debt Recovery Plus (DRP)
- First and only letter received: DRP “Final Reminder” dated 10/11/2025
- Amount claimed: £170
No earlier PCN, reminder or Notice to Keeper letters were ever received.
DRP’s letter states that a “tracing service was utilised”.
My friend parked at the pub and did not realise the venue required entering the vehicle registration for free parking. He admits this error but finds it super unfair that instead of receiving a £30-50 penalty straightaway, he receives a letter months later with £170 claiming they could not reach him.
Important:
My friend has not contacted Euro Car Parks, not contacted DRP, and not contacted the pub. No phone calls or emails have been made. We’ve seen advice saying not to make contact with debt collectors, so the only action taken so far is receiving this DRP letter.
Questions:
- Should they ignore DRP entirely at this stage and only respond if Euro Car Parks issue a Letter Before Claim?
- Is it common for Euro Car Parks to escalate to DRP when the keeper has never received any earlier correspondence?
- Is there anything recommended to do now, or do we simply wait unless genuine pre-court correspondence arrives?
Happy to provide the redacted DRP letter if required.
Thanks for any guidance.
Roland
