Moorside Legal reviews: is the letter real, and what should you do?

Who Moorside Legal are

Moorside Legal is the name on Letters of Claim sent on behalf of private parking companies. In checks made with our tool, people have reported Moorside Legal letters acting for parking companies including NCP and UKCPS. The letter usually sets out the original parking charge, an added amount, and how to respond.

Every solicitors' firm in England and Wales should appear on the Solicitors Regulation Authority's register, which you can search yourself. We haven't printed a registration number here because we couldn't confirm it.

Is the letter real?

Treat it as real. These checks help you match it to your own parking charge:

• The parking charge reference, date and place match an earlier letter you received.
• The parking company named is one that has written to you before.
• It gives a postal address and a reference number.
• It doesn't ask you to pay through a link in an unexpected text or email.

If you're unsure, reply in writing to the address on the letter, say you dispute the claim if you do, and ask them to send their evidence. That's a safe response either way.

What online reviews can and can't tell you

Reviews and forum posts mostly reflect how people felt about getting a letter. They don't change whether your particular charge is valid — that depends on your own facts, such as the signs, the dates, and whether the keeper rules were followed.

Consumer sites such as MoneySavingExpert have long-running guides and forums about private parking charges, and the free MoneySavingExpert and FTLA parking boards have volunteers who help people word their replies. Read them for general help, but base your reply on your own letters.

What to do now

1. 1

   Step 1: Find the date on the letter

   Your reply deadline counts from there.

2. 2

   Step 2: Check it against your earlier letters

   Note anything that doesn't match.

3. 3

   Step 3: Reply in writing

   By email or post, using the details on the letter. See Moorside Legal email address.

4. 4

   Step 4: Keep proof

   Save a copy and proof of sending.

5. 5

   Step 5: Watch for a claim form

   If one arrives, respond by the date on it.

Common worries, answered calmly

• 'The amount has gone up.' Letters often add costs to the original charge. Ask them to explain the basis of every amount added.
• 'I never got the first letter.' Say so in your reply and ask for copies of every notice they say was sent, with posting dates.
• 'I don't know who was driving.' You don't have to name the driver. Never guess or say anything untrue.
• 'I can't afford it.' If you accept you owe it, ask about paying in instalments, and get free debt advice from National Debtline or StepChange.
• 'I've had several letters.' List every reference in your reply and ask them to confirm all the charges they intend to pursue.

Whatever the worry, the steps are the same: find the date, reply in writing, ask for their evidence and keep proof. That protects you whichever way the matter goes.

What happens if you ignore it

A Letter of Claim is the last formal step before court. If nothing happens, the parking company may start a claim, and a claim that isn't answered can lead to a judgment. See Moorside Legal CCJ for what that involves and how to stop it getting that far.

You don't have to say who was driving, but never say anything untrue. Parking Help is independent and not connected to Moorside Legal. Examples on this page are illustrative and based on typical situations, not real cases.

This is a free self-help guide, not legal advice. Check your own letters and dates. If you're unsure, get free advice from Citizens Advice. Written by the Parking Help team.