Emma

[Emma Wilson]

DCBL notice of debt recovery unpaid parking charge. £170
this is the first letter I have received 03/01/2025 for a parking issue 12/04/2024
I paid for parking but by mistake missed one digit and paid for the wrong location parked in Preston paid for parking in Birmingham
letter states I can no longer appeal due to not changing my address on V5 I did change my address on my driving license Feb 2023 when I moved house.
I do not want a CCJ so do I pay or fight ?
thanks for any advice mixed messaged on internet

[des8]

Even if you fight and lose your credit record is only affected if you do not pay the judgment award within 30 days

I would always dispute the charge right through to court, but that is me!

DCBL are purely debt collectors and have no powers other than to write letters, sometimes using scary red CAPITAL letters
When they receive no reaction (it's not worth appealing to them) they pass the case upstairs to DCB Legal ltd, who are solicitors.

They will initiate court action after a couple of warning letters.
They use a template claim which can be disputed, sometimes successfully, but not always as County Court small claims is always a bit of a lottery.
Often they discontinue a case before it reaches court, or even sometimes accept a low offer.

It does take time and effort to defend, and might mean a day waiting in court. for your case to be heard
That is not scary (no wigs or shouts of objection) just sitting round some desks in a small room for an hour or so, but it might mean a day off work/holiday.
Claimable costs are very limited, so no need to worry about huge solicitors costs even if you lose

If you intend to defend do not identify the driver if you communicate with them .... just say "the driver did this"

[Emma Wilson]

Thank you
very helpful