DCBL chasing me for PCN I was unaware off

[Edforce1]

On the 2nd of January 2025, I received a debt collection letter from DCBL regarding a PCN ticket issued by Euro Car Parks in April 2024 in Sheffield.

Firstly, when I returned, I had no ticket on my car's windscreen. Secondly, the PCN was sent to my old home address as I had moved, and this was what was on my V5 when it was issued. Thirdly, as I was moving, I had sent a change of address to the DVLA a few days prior to the ticket being issued, and I received a new V5 on 10/4/2024 (five days after the ticket was issued).

I contacted Euro Car Parks but was told they could not deal with it as the mandatory appeal time had passed and they told me I had to contact DCBL which I did. DCBL told me tough and the advisor said I should have gone back to my old house to check the mail as a ticket had been issued. I disputed this and said it was ridiculous and how did I know I had a ticket!

I have since written to DCBL outlining all of this in more detail and also disputing the ticket and asking for evidence.

Where do I now stand, should I take it to court?

Many thanks

[des8]

You won't take this to court, but if you do not pay up DCBL will issue a court claim which you can defend.

Can you post up documentation received from Euro car parks and DCBL, and also a copy of your letter to DCBL?
On seeing that we can possibly point you the way forward

[Edforce1]

Thanks for the speedy reply, here is my letter/email



Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to formally dispute your Notice of Debt Recovery dated 23rd December 2024 regarding Parking Charge Notice (PCN), which I understand was issued on 5th April 2024 at Matilda Street, Sheffield, by Euro Carparks.

I was not aware of this PCN until I received a notification dated 2nd January 2025. The original PCN was sent to my previous address at, address removed. While this address was registered on my vehicle's V5C logbook at the time of the alleged contravention, I had already submitted a change of address to the DVLA prior to 5th April 2024. I received the updated V5C logbook on 10th April 2024, five days after the PCN was issued. Consequently, I did not receive any correspondence relating to this PCN at my current address.

Furthermore, upon returning to my vehicle on 5th April 2024, there was no PCN attached to it. This lack of immediate notification prevented me from addressing the matter promptly.

I contacted DCBL on 2nd January 2025 to discuss this issue. During the initial conversation, your representative acknowledged the discrepancy regarding the address and my lack of awareness of the PCN. However, the call was disconnected, and upon reconnecting, I was met with a second representative who was unhelpful and dismissive of my explanation.

I respectfully request that you provide evidence of the alleged contravention, including:

• A copy of the original PCN.
• ** Photographic evidence demonstrating the alleged contravention.**
• Details of the signage in place at the car park on 5th April 2024.

While I am prepared to settle the original PCN amount should sufficient evidence be provided, I dispute the additional charges of £170 levied by DCBL, due to the circumstances outlined above. These circumstances clearly demonstrate that I was not afforded a reasonable opportunity to address the PCN within the prescribed timeframe due to factors beyond my control.

I would also like it noting that any legal action against me should be suspended until this issue is resolved.

I look forward to your prompt response and resolution of this matter.

Yours faithfully,






I have attached the letter from DCBL.

Many thanks

[des8]

Pity you identified yourself as the driver, but this is a standard DCBL approach which I would ignore.
DCBL are debt collectors and toothless, and never act reasonably or with empathy.

Eventually (if you don't pay) n the matter will be passed to DCB Legal (upstairs!) who will eventually issue a court claim.
When you receive a "letter of Claim" is the time to start responding.
It is possible to defend their claims and win (altho' the small claims track is a bit of a lottery)

DCB Legal are well known on these forums for issuing template claims like confetti.
To them it is a numbers game, if they win on percentages they will continue.

[Edforce1]

Thanks for your reply. So should I just wait until I get letters from DCBL legal department then, if so what should I do then?

[des8]

I would wait for communications from DCB Legal before responding.
When you hear from them you can post up back on this thread if you want advice.

I know it has already happened, but try not to identify yourself as the driver any further.

[Edforce1]

Ok, that's great, thanks.