How can I stop a car parking company from harassing me regarding a car I sold before the alleged offence?

Like HW (letters 9/10/10) I have received a parking charge notice. Mine was for a vehicle I sold a week previous to the alleged offence. Presumably the DVLA had not updated its details - although I have a letter from them confirming the change of keeper. The parking enforcement company does not give an email address, and when I phoned, they told me I had to send them a letter. When I reluctantly did so, advising them that the DVLA had confirmed the change, I received another containing the threat that the Notice “would remain open in my name” unless I sent them a copy of the DVLA letter, or details of the new owner, and that “I might find it difficult to obtain credit”. I don't think I have any legal or moral responsibility to spend time and money on writing to them again when they will have to contact DVLA anyway - since the car would have been sold on immediately. Is this just another example of bullying by these firms?

Asked on 10 October 2010 by PS, via email

Answered by Honest John

All you legally have to do is tell them to get knotted and that if they continue to pursue or harass you or intimidate you or blacken your good name in any way you will report that ‘threatening behaviour’ to the police under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 and pursue them through the civil courts for compensation. Huge compensation if they defame your credit rating.

Tags: legal advice dvla car parking parking charges

Similar questions

I've made reference to your comments on the Protection of Freedoms Act in reply to a column in Country Life.

Carla Carlisle, a columnist with Country Life, wrote a harrowing piece about an A14 accident in the Travel Section of the DT on Saturday 24 March. I wrote to her this week and had a very positive email...

Is this a loophole that could be used to avoid paying parking tickets?

So far I have not been caught by private parking enforcers, but I have some ideas if I ever am. For example, if I'm in breach of contract with anyone, it's with the owner of the supermarket or whatever,...

What are your thoughts on the new BPA Independent Appeals Service?

As things stand The British Parking Association fully expects to have an Independent Appeals Service in place for October 2012. Meanwhile, if you come across a reader complaint that you feel is justified,...