Belgian Parking Ticket now with Euro Parking Collection PLC

[andygo]

Back in June I was staying at a hotel in Spa Franchorchamps. I unloaded my bags at the Hotel Reine (see street view) and came back to find I had a parking ticket. I assumed it was free parking as i couldn't see any parking restriction signs. Other cars were parked adjacent to mine. I was parked where the silver renault is on the street view screenshot.

I was surprised to receive thie below letter from a company called EuroParking Collection plc. They seem to have shocking reviews, apperaring on various TV programmes.

Has anyone had any dealings with them?

If I have to pay, I would rather pay Spa direct than get involved with this company. Are they even Legal?

[Amateurish]

This is the sign I can see on Street view



So you probably needed one of those timed residents' passed

[andygo]

Ha, username doesn't check out.

I must admit, having got theticket, I didn't re examine the street for restrictions as it was a bit after the event. ( was onlt there for a few minutes which was annoying.

[fourthpedal]

Amateurish said:

This is the sign I can see on Street view



So you probably needed one of those timed residents' passed

I'm not convinced - I believe it means that a parking disc is needed between 9 and 12 or 13 and 18, OR you need a locals permit. More details in https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/en/2023/04/13/beware-you... - although my link is more about the language requirements for the disc (that's a serious WTF - I can't imagine many places in Europe fining you for the wrong languages on it).

These are quite common in a lot of continental Europe, and in most places you'd get away with using the same disc regardless of language. Aside from Belgium's language police, you should also watch out for Austria where the parking disc has a different design and uses 15 minute increments.

[saladdays]

I'd just pay the £22.16 fine. That's a bargain! It could get a lot worse.

[andygo]

Are Euro carpark collections allowed to chase me, seems a bit dubious?

[TVRnutcase]

It is a relatively minor amount, so I would be curious how far they push it.

Just ignore it and all reminders - and do keep us updated as to progress and the eventual conclusion.

[caziques]

I would treat it as I would any scam letter, chuck it in the bin. Particularly if it wasn't sent by some form of signed for on delivery.

How come you suddenly owe money to a UK limited company for an alleged "fine" in Belgium?

[vikingaero]

caziques said:

I would treat it as I would any scam letter, chuck it in the bin. Particularly if it wasn't sent by some form of signed for on delivery.

How come you suddenly owe money to a UK limited company for an alleged "fine" in Belgium?

Scumbag entrepreneur creates a company to collect money on behalf of European departements, agencies etc.

[dundarach]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/1vPypvCy...

Ask them what their UK escalation procedure is if you don't pay?

[vikingaero]

dundarach said:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/1vPypvCy...

Ask them what their UK escalation procedure is if you don't pay?

I have a few issues with Euro Parking Collection PLC and I believe they are affiliated with the BPA and therefore POPLA. They have fantastic reviews on Trustpilot: https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/www.epcplc.com

First. They automatically advise that you as the "Owner" are liable? Shouldn't you be allowed to nominate the driver and therefore bring the case to POPLA upon a failed appeal. The whole set up of the company and methods are very shady.

One online solicitor gave this advice:

"I understand that receiving a letter from EPC plc can be concerning. EPC plc is actually a company that helps collect unpaid toll fees from foreign drivers using electronic toll roads in Portugal. While they are not a debt collection agency, they do act on behalf of the Portuguese authorities. It's important to note that there have been reports of EPC plc using tactics that can be intimidating and misleading when pressuring individuals to pay fees and penalties, even if they have already been paid or are unaware of them. Some people have mentioned that the amount of debt has increased over time, additional charges have been added, and legal action has been threatened.

In this situation, it's crucial not to ignore the letter, but also not to immediately pay without verifying its legitimacy and accuracy. You have every right to request a copy of your original credit agreement and proof of the toll violation from EPC plc. Additionally, it's worth checking the website of Pagamento De Portagens, which is the official portal for paying toll fees in Portugal. If you have already paid the toll fees or there are no outstanding payments, you have the option to dispute the claim from EPC plc and request that they stop contacting you.

If you're unsure about how to handle EPC plc or if you need assistance with your finances, I recommend reaching out to a free and impartial debt advice service such as Citizens Advice, StepChange, or National Debt Line. These organizations can provide valuable support by helping you create a budget, explaining your options, and even negotiating with EPC plc on your behalf.

If your mental health is affecting your ability to deal with this situation, they can also guide you on how to inform EPC plc about your condition. Remember, you have options and support available to you."

More internet searching shows that they do take people to Court, but I wonder how many are judgement in default claims because the cases are skewed against those driving to Eastern Europe who may be transient in residency.

[fourthpedal]

andygo said:

Are Euro carpark collections allowed to chase me, seems a bit dubious?

That's probably not the right question to ask. The question is: what are the consequences the next time you visit Belgium? (There might be none, or there might be some.)

[andygo]

I thought uk parking companies could only go after the driver and not the registered keeper. I may have got that wrong?

[vikingaero]

andygo said:

I thought uk parking companies could only go after the driver and not the registered keeper. I may have got that wrong?

UK Parking Companies don't know who the driver of the vehicle is, so they can issue the notice to keeper under POFA to invite the keeper to either accept they were the driver and pay, or to name the driver, which due to a intentional known loophole by the chap that drafted the POFA bill, the keeper is under no obligation to name the driver.

The difference with Euro Parking Collection PLC is that they are automatically charging the keeper and rejecting valid appeals left right and centre. I wonder if they can actually access DVLA data legally for overseas infractions, and whether rules around POFA apply overseas. It would be a good test case.

[andygo]

vikingaero said:

UK Parking Companies don't know who the driver of the vehicle is, so they can issue the notice to keeper under POFA to invite the keeper to either accept they were the driver and pay, or to name the driver, which due to a intentional known loophole by the chap that drafted the POFA bill, the keeper is under no obligation to name the driver.

The difference with Euro Parking Collection PLC is that they are automatically charging the keeper and rejecting valid appeals left right and centre. I wonder if they can actually access DVLA data legally for overseas infractions, and whether rules around POFA apply overseas. It would be a good test case.

Due to the detailed info on the EPC invoice, I assume they have convinced the wonderful DVLA that they have the right to chase. The DVLA are no doubt indifferent to the actual legality of how they chase the infraction.

I have looked on Companies House and EPC PlC have a net worth of over £6m which suggests they are chasing a lot of people with some success!

[mcflurry]

vikingaero said:

It would be a good test case.

Probably, but it's a £20 fine and the OP didn't display a required parking time disc thing..