UKCPS charge for Stopping in a prohibited area.
**The following is the one and only letter I have received from UKCPS and categorically deny any previous correspondence.**
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Letter recieved 5th Nov dated 14th Oct informing me that as I haven't paid a charge to my vehicle for 'stopping' on Aug 31st, the fine would increase from £100 to £180 within 14 days of this letter. I was previous offered an opportunity to pay a reduced amount of £60 if I paid this within 14 days of the original notice... that I never received.
Obviously 14th Oct to 5th Nov is outside of this time frame, and the letter states it would be passed on to a debt recovery agent.
Tried to telephone their number to pay the fine but it was automated and couldn't find details of the ref or car reg.
Tried their online process to pay - same issue. Tried clicking the 'APPEAL' button on their site - no details found.
I'm thinking "is this a scam?"
Sent a letter by recorded mail on the 8th Nov which arrived 10th Nov (have Royal Mail tracked photo to prove it was received).
No response.
Received letter yesterday from TRACE DEBT RECOVERY telling me I have 14 days to pay £170. Their letter was received yesterday 21st Nov but dated 14th Nov. After speaking to them, they told me there was no line of appeal with them and that I should just pay it. They couldn't pass me on to anyone senior to query this and even questioned "why did you stop in a no-stopping area anyway?". Is this any business of theirs?
Their letter actually states that if I don't pay them, they will have to discuss with their client, the parking company, but inform me that they have no lines to communicate with their client, and were unable to pass me on to anyone senior to discuss this. They then go on to tell me that if I don't pay, it will iley go to court, CCJ issued and would cost even more including legal and courts/solicitor costs etc.
I spoke to Citizens Advice yesterday who asked if UKCPS are a member of the IPC of BPA?
I told them they were a member of the IPC to which they told me to email them, and gave me their email address.
UKCPS are listed as an IPC Operator, Trace Debt Recovery listed on IPC as a IPC and BPA Member.
I'm not sure why a debt recovery business are members of Parking regulatory bodies?