Afternoon, I’m hoping someone can please advise.
I bought a car from a friend last year. I paid a cash deposit in September and arranged insurance for my family. In December, I paid the remaining balance and the vehicle tax, and everything was completed.
On 29 January, a bailiff clamped my car outside my home, stating there was an outstanding PCN linked to the vehicle. I explained that I only purchased the car recently and showed the V5C, but I was told that the V5C is not proof of ownership. I was forced to pay £560 to have the clamp removed because the vehicle would otherwise be towed. The bailiff briefly mentioned that I could make a claim but didn’t explain how. He also gave me a receipt containing the full name and address of the previous owner.
I raised a complaint and referenced the relevant laws, but it was rejected. I sent them a copy of the agreement from September stating the V5C would not be released until the full payment was made. I also provided the tax payment receipt and the bank transfer shown on my statement, but they said bank statement did not prove the documents were genuine.
To complicate matters, the name of the person I bought the car from is different to the name on the V5C, which I did not know at the time.
I have requested the PCN and council details, but they refused to provide them. I’ve also asked my friend to prepare a sale receipt, but I’m worried it will be rejected because it isn’t on headed paper—it was a private sale, so I don’t see how it could be on headed paper anyway.
I can share my email correspondence and the bailiff’s response if needed.
Please advise what my next steps should be.
