MP Attacks 'Rogue' Parking fine collection companies

12.00.00am GMT Tue 3rd Dec 2002

Vincent Cable has threatened to invoke the Ombudsman to investigate a neighbouring local council (Ealing) and is seeking an investigation into a 'rogue' debt collecting agency, after a Whitton resident was pursued through the courts and challenged on the doorstep by bailiffs over a parking fine he did not incur.

Mr Patrick Ellis sold his car a year ago.

The new owner incurred a parking fine in Ealing soon after. However instead of imposing the fine on the new owner, Ealing Council and its debt collecting agency, Collect Services Ltd, pursued Mr Ellis through the courts.

The council and the debt collectors ignored his letters and obtained a court order to seize his property through bailiffs.

Vincent Cable, MP, said: "I often encounter unreasonable behaviour by local councils over parking fines but this is the worst case I have seen."

"Stupidity and bloody mindedness has led to the waste of a large amount of public money and enormous stress for an entirely innocent man."

"This is a clear case for the Ombudsman."