DVLA & Debt Collectors

[WelshCerys]

Spot of bother - disputing why DVLA want to fine me £80.00 for a sorn declaration I made in time (my mistake was requesting the wrong starting date - this was a genuine error - I was going through hell and high water with a very sick child at that time). Now, they're got a firm who call themselves 'bailiffs and debt collectors' onto me.

Said agency told me that appeal can only be through DVLA but DVLA, in a couple of highly unpleasant telephone calls today, told me that appeal must be through agency - they did not want to know. (BTW - I was shocked at how rude and dismissive the two DVLA staff members I spoke to were.)

1. My understanding (at least from the OFT website) is that creditors should tell you in advance which organisation a debt is being passed to (DVLA didn't)
   
2. I think that the appeal must surely be to the DVLA - the agent acts on their behalf (as the debt collectors made clear to me).
   
3. I've already informed the DVLA that this error was due to my living in a fog at the time and offered medical evidence re my child. No response - except to sell the debt to this agency.
   

Thanks for any advice!

[olgaga]

It's an automatic fine, so I'm not sure there's any point pursuing an appeal. I'm not even sure if you have a right of appeal unless your vehicle is clamped.

[PigletJohn]

Write a letter to the DVLA and say you wish to appeal. If they try to deal with it by phone say your hearing is poor and will they write please. If they say no, say "eh? eh? sorry my hearing is poor, what did you say? eh? eh? Send it in writing please. Eh?"

If they are foolish enough to send you a letter saying they don't accept appeals you will be in a good position to complain further as you have evidence.

Send an identical letter to the collectors (but addressed to them)

Phone calls are often shoddily handled (the job is so awful and badly paid that no-one will stay if they can get a better job)

[LovesBeingWearingSkinnyJeans]

Second writing to them, make sure you send it recorded so you have proof. I had a letter ignored lost in the post to the DVLA. Their turnaround time are also stupidley long do please state clearly when you expect a reply by and that it needs to be in writing. I don't know if you will succeed, I don't know much about this process, have you looked at tge DVLA website and others on advice generally for this situation?

[olgaga]

The problem here is that it has already been passed to a debt collection agency, who will pursue their own procedures unless informed by the DVLA not to.

How long ago was the fine supposed to be paid?