SORN Question - Can car be seized from driveway?

[Lee2011]

Hi I'm Lee (a Newbie).

I've just returned from 6 months working abroad to 3x letters (from various DVLA depts.) relating to "Failure to license/SORN..."
Plus more worryingly a letter from "Phillips Collection Services" claiming to be bailiffs threatening to clamp/tow said vehicle from my driveway!

I've looked on Trust Online who have no listing of a CCJ against me, therefore while I dispute this with DVLA am I in danger of the car being taken? Can they take goods without a CCJ?

The reason I wish to dispute it as I emailed DVLA 4 weeks after sending off the SORN reminder and have the copy of their email reply and their reference no. DVLA's response was to deal with "Phillips" - Who of course aren't interested!

Please help guys! Many thanks.

[Caspar]

Re: SORN Question - Can car be seized from driveway?

Do not under any circumstances deal with Philips. I'd e-mail the CEO of the DVLA direct (phone and ask for his/her e-mail) and explain the situation enclosing their reply from before you left.

Tell him/her the front line staff have told you you have to deal with the bailiffs, but this is not feasible in this situation.

The CEO is on recent secondment to the DfT, so not sure who is acting up during his absence - sorry.

[Lee2011]

Re: SORN Question - Can car be seized from driveway?

Thank you - will try that approach, I'm just worried what powers they have atm

[Caspar]

Re: SORN Question - Can car be seized from driveway?

If they don't have a court order, my understanding is they can't seize it. Amy is the expert on bailiffs.

[Chip Tuesday]

Re: SORN Question - Can car be seized from driveway?

Why is it that you're being threatened with such action? is it because of unpaid tax? Surely this is something that can be sorted out civily without the cost to the DVLA of employing bailiffs, and without the stress to you of dealing with them.

I hope you can sort this out

CT