www.iva.co.uk

We have an unpaid parking fine from last June which we disputed.

Today we have had bailiffs from Bristow & Sutor say they are going to take our car away today. The fine was originally for £50 but now they want £350. As you can imagine there is now way we can pay this.

Can they do this, just take our car. We live on a farm in the countyrside and there is no bus route - how will I take our 7 year old to school.

Am panicking now - can anyone offer any advice.

Many thanks

Is this from your council or from a private parking services company? As far as I'm aware a private company can only issue an invoice for parking and not a fine as it is purely a civil matter.

Hi, I'm really sorry I can't help but why not ring CAB and see if they can offer any advice. I would say get some legal advice if you can get some free? Maybe one of our posters can help.

What happened about the dispute? Did they say you were in the wrong?

Speak to them and see if you can pay a little at a time and have a word with your IP to see if they will allow you to do this.

Otherwise I'd speak to CAB and see if they can help you at all.

They didn't respond to the dispute. Can't believe they would go to these lengths over a car parking fine. The parking is free if you are shopping at Sainsburys and I was.

I think they would need a court order to take it as well.

Do give the CAB or similar a ring to put your mind at rest and trust it sorts itself out for you x

If it was Sainsbury's it will be a contracted firm, who have no rights in law to take your vehicle. Have a word with your local police station to see if they are known and get advice as to what to do should they attempt recovery.

Agree with Foggy - they cannot take your vehicle without a court order.

The bailiff firm is a genuine one by the looks of it but they cannot seize anything without an order.

As far I'm concerned, these are strong arm tactics designed to bully you into paying.

Did you overstay your welcome at Sainsburys?

Google the name of the company,you may find that the ticket is not enforceable,and were they definately court bailiffs,not just clowns trying to pretend they were from the courts.

Paul

Have you talk with Sainsburys about this?
send a R/D letter to both of them, asking why they have not replyed to you before.
A private company can only issue an invoice for parking, and should take you to court for non payment.

Have you talk with Sainsburys about this?
send a R/D letter to both of them, asking why they have not replyed to you before.
A private company can only issue an invoice for parking, and should take you to court for non payment.

I parked and didn't realise it was a pay and display car park. It was my first visit in this town as I usually go to a different Sainsburys. I parked at the front by the door in the parent & child spaces, the only signs there are the signs advertising parent & child.

The bailiff who came today didn't have a court order, just said he would come back later and take the car!!

Thanks for all your replies.

If he doesn't have a court order then he can't take the car.

this may help.
http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/t_parking_fines.pdf

As Jan says, there can't take it without a court order.