Bailiff has clamped my car - Help!

[LMW1990]

Today a bailiff from Equita has clamped my car due to an unpaid parking fine from Manchester City Council.

I did get a letter from them a while back in which they said they have a Warrant of Control from the court. As I had not had any documentation from the court regarding this matter, I requested a certified copy. To date I have not received a response and to be honest, the matter slipped from my mind.

I explained this to the bailiff but he still wanted full payment before removing the clamp. I explained that I could pay next week but that I have a hospital appointment on Friday which I must attend. He shrugged and said there was nothing he could do. I offered part payment today and instalments thereafter. He refused. The total amount owed is £393. I confess at this point, I cried. This is just another bloody awful situation and I've had my fill this year. I lost a baby in April and my mum was diagnosed with cancer in May - I haven't been on top of things as much as I usually would. I haven't been able to work since April and have been attending counselling. Money is tight.

So, my car is clamped. I have not signed any controlled goods order and I have not had a letter from Equita giving me 7 days notice of attendance.

The bailiff is giving me until next week to pay - but I desperately need to car on Friday.

Any advice?

I don't dispute the PCN - with everything that was going on it just slipped my mind and to be honest I can't even remember where or when it occurred!

Thanks in advance

[ploddertom]

Are you saying you knew nothing of the PCN until the man from Equita turned up?

It is very unfortunate that you find your vehicle clamped but they are relying on the fact that no payment or communication has been received from you. So until you can pay the car will remain clamped - how much is it worth. Need to try and establish this in case they decide to go for removal & sale.