Free Traffic Legal Advice

Hello, i have a claim form from a parking charge i got almost 3 years ago. i vaguely remember the details, i was visiting a friend and parked at the pub car park for just under an hour. When i received the parking charge my friend told me i shouldn't pay it as the pub wont peruse the ticket. I think i received a few other letters regarding it which i stupidly ignored and got the claim form a couple weeks ago. After browsing through this forum for a while i am now realizing this wont go away and i am trying to deal with it in the best way possible as the charge has gone up significantly with all the fees they have added on. I can't remember exactly because it was so long ago but i don't remember seeing any signs on the car park saying i had to pay and this was at 9pm at night during winter so it was pretty dark and also most car parks in my area are free at that time.
The claim form says "Claim for money relating to a Parking Charge for breaching of contract terms/conditions for parking in private car park managed by claimant. Drivers may only park pursuant to TCs of use displayed in CP and agreed upon entry/parking. ANPR cameras or manual patrols monitor vehicles entering/exiting the CP and breaches". The original ticket was during winter of 2023
I have logged into the MCOL system and acknowledge service of the claim although it is worth mentioning that due to my poor timing i have done it the day after the final day of the 14 day window. not sure if that affects anything but ill add it just incase.

Please anyone with any advice on how to proceed and what would be the best steps. I am currently in the process of moving out due to some family issues and really cannot afford the extra pressure of a massive parking fine even though it is my fault for ignoring all the parking charge letters. Thanks in advance for any advice.

thanks for reply. i dont have the original PCN anymore. Like i said it was 3 years ago and assumed i wouldn't have to pay it

here is a link to the claim form. sorry for lateish reply had to get home from work to snap the picture

https://files.catbox.moe/s7hf8r.jpeg

i redacted the name of the car park its called "the old ship inn"

Please post up the claim form redacting only personal info and password.

You have gone overboard and obscured more than this.
Especially the dates.

https://www.ftla.uk/private-parking-tickets/read-this-first-private-parking-charges-forum-guide/ says

3. Post the notice(s) you have received – as well as providing important context, the notices may contain/omit details that can be used to help you successfully fight the charge. Upload photos of any and all notices you have received from the parking company. You should show us all pages of the notice(s), remove personal details (name/address, PCN reference number, Vehicle Registration Mark), but show us all dates and times. Details that you think are trivial could help you win, so don’t leave anything out.

You only know these - you have 14+5 days from the date on the form which you obscured to file a defence or Acknowledgement of Service. If you file AoS you have a further 14 days to file a defence.

Yes, you have to file a defence by 4pm on 14 July.

You can obtain the original PCN with a Subject Access Request to CEL. It may be important to help you construct your defence.

However it is unlikely you will receive this original PCN in time for you to construct your defence.

okay i have sent an email to CEL with the subject access request. Will update when i get a response

Worth noting that this is even more vague than many we see, in that they don't state at all in what capacity they are seeking to recover from the OP.

One could assume they're seeking to do so as the driver, but only insofar as that would be the default party to any contract and they don't make any claims to the contrary in their PoC.