Written evidence submitted Anonymously (WCC0074)

A)      The MoJ should be providing evidence   on the current level of delay in the County Court and the extent of any regional variations.

B)      Could I please suggest the Committee looks at the number of court claims filed that are discontinued before the hearing date.

A pattern has emerged where many claims filed on behalf of Private Parking Companies are being discontinued either before the court fees are due to paid or very close to the hearing date.

While I cannot provide evidence of this I am aware it will be provided by other individuals. I would also expect the MoJ not only to be capable of providing evidence of the number of discontinuations by individual companies but to have considered it is a reason for delays in the court system.

Private Parking Companies use court to intimidate motorists to pay their alleged pcns. When their repeated attempts fail and know their evidence is weak they eventually discontinue the claim.

https://www.popla.co.uk/reports
POPLA’s yearly reports provide evidence that for years PPCs also carry out this practice at the earlier independent appeal stage. Having had their appeal rejected by the Operator motorists appeal to POPLA. Large numbers of appeals are then not contested by the operators. 19,906 in 2021 up 59 % from previous year.

C)      What future reforms to the County Court should be considered;

Parking Charge Notice disputes should not be coming to the court system. The DLUHC plan to implement a single fair robust appeals service. If this is achieved it's decisions would be respected and accepted by motorists and private parking operators.

Removing pcn claims from the court system would reduce delays by freeing up more time. The MoJ needs to liaise with DLUHC on their appeal service plans.

January 2024