Green slip-up
How long does it take for the DVLA to amend car ownership details?
In April this year my wife traded in her car for a newer one. Last month she received a Penalty Notice from Nottingham County Council Traffic Department with photographs showing her old vehicle misusing a bus lane on 30th October. On her behalf (she’s not enjoying the best of health) I wrote to the Department explaining that she no longer owned the vehicle and that this could be verified with the Lexus agent in Lincoln. That letter was sent by recorded delivery; it was ignored and a second Notice issued. She then sent a copy of the Bill of Sale along with the completed declaration. Ignored again. A third Penalty Notice arrived with the threat that non-payment would incur an increased fine of £105. Before we had time to deal with that a fourth Notice appeared, this time relating to an identical offence committed at the same location on 6th.November, exactly a week later from the first. Not only that, an altogether different Penalty Notice arrived relating to a parking violation on 12th.October and requiring payment of the fine to Nottingham County Council at a different address. All these Notices bear in capitals and bold type the warning: "YOU MUST NOT IGNORE THIS NOTICE". It would seem that Nottingham County Council Traffic Department arrogates to itself the right to ignore the responses of the innocent. Should my wife allow herself to be taken to Court in order to publicise this harassment?
In April this year my wife traded in her car for a newer one. Last month she received a Penalty Notice from Nottingham County Council Traffic Department with photographs showing her old vehicle misusing a bus lane on 30th October. On her behalf (she’s not enjoying the best of health) I wrote to the Department explaining that she no longer owned the vehicle and that this could be verified with the Lexus agent in Lincoln. That letter was sent by recorded delivery; it was ignored and a second Notice issued. She then sent a copy of the Bill of Sale along with the completed declaration. Ignored again. A third Penalty Notice arrived with the threat that non-payment would incur an increased fine of £105. Before we had time to deal with that a fourth Notice appeared, this time relating to an identical offence committed at the same location on 6th.November, exactly a week later from the first. Not only that, an altogether different Penalty Notice arrived relating to a parking violation on 12th.October and requiring payment of the fine to Nottingham County Council at a different address. All these Notices bear in capitals and bold type the warning: "YOU MUST NOT IGNORE THIS NOTICE". It would seem that Nottingham County Council Traffic Department arrogates to itself the right to ignore the responses of the innocent. Should my wife allow herself to be taken to Court in order to publicise this harassment?
Asked on 6 February 2010 by R.J., Boston, Lincs
Answered by
Honest John
Unfortunately, she should have torn off and sent part 9 of the V5C which clearly warns, "If you do NOT notify DVLA that you have sold/transferred the vehicle you will continue to be liable for it even though it is no longer in your possession." This is something she had to do. She could not leave it to the dealer to do. A recorded delivery letter to the "Department" that was attempting to prosecute her for a "offence" cuts no ice whatsoever. So she remains liable. You urgently need to contact www.dvla.gov.uk and inform DVLA of the change of keepership and make sure you get a receipt. I would normally defend readers against the DVLA if they are not at fault. But in this case I'm afraid she is at fault.
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