S. H. A. F. T. P U B L I S H I N G
FAQ
We put this together, to save us time, our top 5 Q’s we get asked all the time on ‘Private Parking Fine’, ‘Debt Collectors’ & ‘Car Finance Compensation’.
You’ll get all the answers you need in the digital downloads on each of those subjects – Go get them!
Parking Charges:
Q1: Do I legally have to pay a private parking ticket?
No — not automatically. It’s not a fine, it’s a charge. Big difference. They need to prove you entered into a contract, agreed to their terms, and that the charge is fair and enforceable. Most don’t even get close.
Q2: Can I ignore a private parking notice?
You can — but it’s smarter to challenge it. This guide shows how to call their bluff with the exact legal steps they hope you don’t know.
Q3: What if the ticket came through the post?
Then they’re claiming under “keeper liability” rules — but if they’ve missed key steps (and they often do), they don’t have a leg to stand on.
Q4: Will it affect my credit score if I don’t pay?
No — not unless they take you to court and win and you ignore the court order. Most people never get anywhere near that. This guide shows how to stop it before it even gets close.
Q5: What law do private parking companies rely on? They rely on contract law — not criminal law. That means they need to prove you accepted their terms. Not the other way around.
Debt Collectors:
Q1: Do I legally have to speak to a debt collector?
Nope. You have zero legal obligation to take their calls or reply to texts. They’re not the police. You can respond on your terms and in writing only — that’s smart. Why? It gives you a paper trail and keeps emotion out of it.
Q2: Can they really take me to court?
Yes — but only if they have solid evidence. Most don’t. They need the original agreement, a clear chain of assignment (who owns the debt), and a correct balance.
Ask for all of it before you even consider engaging. Many fold when you demand proof.
Q3: What do I do if they can’t prove the debt?
Challenge it. Use Section 77/78 of the Consumer Credit Act. If they can’t supply a true copy of the agreement, they can’t enforce it. It’s that simple. No paperwork, no power.
Q4: How do I make them stop contacting me?
Use your GDPR rights. Hit them with a Subject Access Request (SAR) and a restriction of processing notice. They must respond, or you can escalate to the ICO. You’re not powerless — they are, without documentation.
Q5: What if they say they’re “just acting for the client”?
Doesn’t matter. If they’re handling your data, they’re responsible under GDPR. End of. You can still demand proof, restrict processing, and force disclosure. No hiding behind client names — they’re a data controller, not a messenger.
Car Finance Compensation:
Q1: Can I claim if I don't remember who financed the car?
Yes. You don’t need to remember every detail — the guide shows you how to trace lenders using your credit file, old paperwork, or even the dealership. Think like a claims handler: gather just enough to start pressure on them.
Q2: Does the FCA ruling mean everyone gets money back?
No — but it cracks the door open. If they paid commission and didn’t clearly tell you, the whole agreement might be classed as unfair. That gives you leverage. But you need to push — no one’s refunding you for fun.
Q3: What if they say “we don’t owe you anything”?
That’s expected — and often false. That’s why the PDF arms you with legal references (CONC 4.5.2R, s.140A CCA) and the right wording. You're not begging — you’re building a file. If they stonewall, you escalate.
Q4: Does it matter if the car finance ended years ago?
Not necessarily. Many lenders didn't disclose commission at the time, and recent guidance says that failure could make the deal unfair — even now. The key date is Jan 2021 — but older deals still qualify if the info wasn’t clear.
Q5: What if I’ve already paid the car off?
Perfect — that means you may have overpaid without knowing. This isn’t about ongoing payments. It’s about what interest you were charged because commission was buried in the deal. If that was hidden, you could be due money back.
Fact Check Everything — That’s the Whole Point
Everything in all the guides is based on real UK law, not opinions. Don’t take anyone’s word for it — including ours. Go check it all for yourself, straight from the official sources:
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – www.fca.org.uk
Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) – www.ico.org.uk
Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) – www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk
Citizens Advice UK – www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Still got questions? Grab the full kits from the Digital Downloads section — or just email us direct: info.shaft@proton.me
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