Don't Let CEL Scare You
Civil Enforcement Ltd (CEL) is known for sending aggressive debt collector letters very quickly. However, they are statistically one of the sloppiest operators when it comes to following POFA requirements.
The 14-Day Rule
Under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, the operator must serve a "Notice to Keeper" within 14 days of:
- The alleged parking contravention, OR
- The date they obtained your details from the DVLA
CEL frequently misses this deadline. Check the dates on your paperwork carefully.
How to Calculate the Deadline
- Find the "Date of Contravention" on your PCN
- Find the "Date of Issue" on the Notice to Keeper
- Count the days between them (excluding the first day)
- If more than 14 days, keeper liability is void
The "Service" Question
The notice must also be served (delivered) within a reasonable time. If you received it weeks after the issue date, question when it was actually posted.
Debt Collector Tactics
CEL often passes unpaid charges to debt collectors who send threatening letters. Remember:
- Debt collectors have no special legal powers
- They cannot visit your home without a court order
- The underlying parking charge may still be invalid
Stand Your Ground
If you have a valid POFA defense, don't be intimidated by aggressive letters. Appeal to POPLA and cite the specific procedural failures.