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       #Post#: 79467--------------------------------------------------
       Re: PCN - Parked in a disabled bay without displaying valid
       Disabled badge Grove Farm Retail Park Chadwell Heath. RM6 4B
   DIR By: D23
       Date: July 3, 2025, 4:11 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Thank you for the response. I will now do the email and will
       follow up the stage 2 with DVLA
       to DCB shall i disclose my letter to them so they know who i am
       or the reference number that is provided?
       thanks
       #Post#: 79508--------------------------------------------------
       Re: PCN - Parked in a disabled bay without displaying valid
       Disabled badge Grove Farm Retail Park Chadwell Heath. RM6 4B
   DIR By: b789
       Date: July 4, 2025, 4:49 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Obviously you include their reference number in your letter to
       DCB Legal, otherwise how would they know who it is from? They
       issue hundreds of these a week.
       #Post#: 84515--------------------------------------------------
       Re: PCN - Parked in a disabled bay without displaying valid
       Disabled badge Grove Farm Retail Park Chadwell Heath. RM6 4B
   DIR By: D23
       Date: August 6, 2025, 4:55 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Hi all,
       I’ve just received DVLA’s Stage 2 reply regarding my complaint
       about the release of my data to G24 Ltd. Unfortunately, the
       response seems generic and doesn’t address key concerns I
       raised.
       Here’s what they said in brief:
       DVLA insists the data release was lawful and part of a system of
       “industry self-regulation.”
       They claim once G24 receives my data, they become the data
       controller and DVLA has no further responsibility.
       They suggest complaints about G24 should go to their trade
       association.
       They say there’s no evidence of legal breach and refer me to the
       ICO if I’m still dissatisfied.
       #Post#: 84590--------------------------------------------------
       Re: PCN - Parked in a disabled bay without displaying valid
       Disabled badge Grove Farm Retail Park Chadwell Heath. RM6 4B
   DIR By: b789
       Date: August 7, 2025, 8:16 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Respond with the following:
       --- Quote ---
       > To: DVLA Complaints Team
       > Ref: 0410774-B2W3C / DVLA Ref 0400043
       >
       > Date: [Insert today's date]
       >
       > Dear Mrs N Smith,
       >
       > Re: Failure to address Step 2 complaint regarding G24 Ltd –
       formal request for escalation to ICA
       >
       > Thank you for your letter dated 29 July 2025 in response to my
       Step 2 complaint. Unfortunately, your response repeats the same
       generic assertions made at Step 1 and once again fails to engage
       with the substance of the complaint I raised.
       >
       > To be absolutely clear:
       >
       > [indent]• I do not dispute that G24 Ltd had reasonable cause
       to request keeper data at the time of the original DVLA data
       release.
       > • My complaint concerns G24 Ltd’s unlawful subsequent use of
       that data, in breach of the Private Parking Single Code of
       Practice (PPSCoP) and the KADOE contract.
       > • Your response completely fails to address the post-access
       misuse, despite this being the central issue from the
       outset.[/indent]
       >
       > Summary of Original Complaint (Reiterated for Clarity):
       >
       > G24 Ltd used my keeper data to pursue a parking charge in
       direct breach of the PPSCoP, specifically:
       >
       > [indent]• Annex F1(c) – I submitted evidence that the vehicle
       was broken down and awaiting recovery. G24 continued enforcement
       regardless, despite the Code expressly prohibiting enforcement
       where a vehicle is immobilised due to mechanical failure.
       > • Section 8.3.1 – The NtK misstated the 28-day period for
       payment as running from the issue date, not date of receipt,
       which is misleading and non-compliant.
       > • Failure to address a formal complaint – G24 was given the
       opportunity to correct these breaches and failed to do so,
       instead escalating matters by sharing my personal data with
       third parties (e.g., debt recovery agents) without proper
       cause.[/indent]
       >
       > These are not civil disputes for the courts. They are
       compliance and data protection matters governed by the PPSCoP,
       the Data Protection Act 2018, and the terms of the KADOE
       contract, under which the DVLA remains jointly responsible as
       Data Controller.
       >
       > DVLA Obligations
       >
       > As you will be aware:
       >
       > [indent]• The DVLA retains ongoing responsibility for ensuring
       that data released under the KADOE contract is not subsequently
       misused.
       > • The DVLA must investigate post-access misuse where credible
       allegations are raised.
       > • The DVLA is required to monitor compliance with the PPSCoP
       and take proportionate enforcement action when breaches are
       identified.[/indent]
       >
       > Your Step 2 response neither investigates the misuse nor
       acknowledges that any breach occurred, despite clear evidence
       being provided. It also fails to mention the Independent
       Complaints Assessor (ICA) or how to escalate the complaint
       further, contrary to the DVLA's own published complaints
       process.
       >
       > Accordingly, I now require the following:
       >
       > [indent]• A formal acknowledgement that my complaint has been
       mishandled and not properly responded to at Step 2.
       > • Immediate escalation of this matter to the Independent
       Complaints Assessor (ICA), including both:
       >
       > [indent]• DVLA’s failure to investigate the reported misuse of
       my data; and
       > • DVLA’s failure to signpost or facilitate escalation to the
       ICA at Step 2, as required by its own
       procedures.[/indent][/indent]
       >
       > Please confirm in writing that this matter has now been
       referred to the ICA.
       >
       > Yours sincerely,
       >
       > [Your full name]
       --- End Quote ---
       #Post#: 91935--------------------------------------------------
       Re: PCN - Parked in a disabled bay without displaying valid
       Disabled badge Grove Farm Retail Park Chadwell Heath. RM6 4B
   DIR By: D23
       Date: September 29, 2025, 5:19 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Here are 2 emails from the INDEPENDENT COMPLAINTS ASSESSOR
       
       INDEPENDENT COMPLAINTS ASSESSOR
       Department for Transport
       DfT Complaints Team - for the attention of Stephen Shaw
       Great Minster House
       33 Horseferry Road
       London
       SW1P 4DR
       
       (By preference, contact should be made by email to:
       ica.stephen-shaw@dft.gov.uk or by text or voicemail to 07585
       997505.  If using standard post, please also alert the ICA by
       one of the other means.)
       Mr
       My reference: 185 (25/26)
       By email to: ----------------------@gmail.com
       31 August 2025
       Dear Mr M
       YOUR COMPLAINT AGAINST THE DRIVER AND VEHICLE LICENSING AGENCY
       (DVLA)
       
       I write further to your correspondence about the independent
       complaint assessor (ICA) review of your complaint.  I am the ICA
       to whom your case has been referred, and I am formally
       acknowledging receipt of your complaint and associated papers
       that the DVSA has provided.
       
       I have obviously not yet read or considered the file, but I can
       see your complaint concerns the release of your data by the DVLA
       to a private parking company.
       I have set out our role as ICAs in an annex to this letter.  We
       are neither civil servants nor employees of the Department for
       Transport or the DVLA.  We cannot challenge or overturn a
       decision made by the DVLA in line with its policies or require
       it to change its policies.  However, we may assess if it has
       administered its policies correctly and acted consistently with
       them.  The DVLA is in the jurisdiction of the Parliamentary
       Ombudsman and we refer where relevant to the Ombudsman’s
       Principles in judging whether the DfT or one of its delivery
       bodies, including the DVLA, has acted reasonably.   We must take
       a proportionate approach, weighing carefully the merits of
       individual complaints with the operational realities of the
       delivery bodies.
       
       We allocate the equivalent of three working days per week to DfT
       cases and may not be able to reply immediately to
       communications.  Our normal time target for reviews is three
       months, but I hope to revert to you well within that time.
       We prefer email communications as they get to us directly
       (terrestrial post is referred on to us by the DfT, adding time
       to the process).  We will make any adjustment that we can to be
       of assistance.
       Please tell us if we should adjust our approach to communicate
       better with you.  If you intend to write to us using Royal Mail
       it would be helpful to know in advance so we can ask DfT staff
       to be sure to refer correspondence to us as soon as possible.
       Good wishes.
       
       Yours sincerely
       
       Stephen Shaw
       Independent Complaints Assessor
       
       
       Encl:  Annex setting out ICA jurisdiction
        
       Annex: Summary of ICA role and jurisdiction
       
       The ICAs are independent of the DfT and its delivery bodies and
       not civil servants.
       
       They look at whether the DfT or its delivery body handled a
       complaint properly and gave a reasonable decision.  The
       DfT/delivery body will send relevant correspondence and
       documents to the ICA within 15 working days of the customer’s
       request for ICA review.
       
       If the delivery body and customer both believe referral to the
       ICA won’t resolve the complaint, then with the agreement of the
       ICA, the ICA doesn’t have to consider it.  Instead, the
       complainant can ask an MP to refer their case to the
       Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO).
       
       The ICA will aim to review the case within three months of
       receipt. They’ll say if they expect it to take longer.
       
       When the ICA has reviewed the case, they’ll tell both sides the
       outcome and if they’ve made any recommendations.  This ends
       their involvement
       
       The ICA can look at complaints about:
       
       •
       advice
       
       •
       
       •
       
       The ICA can’t look at:
       
       •
       DfT public body policy
       
       •
       considered by Parliament
       
       •
       the outcome
       
       •
       
       •
       
       •
       
       •
       
       •
       example, the clinical decisions of doctors or the judgments of
       driving and vehicle examiners.
       
       
       Also, the ICA can’t usually look at any complaint that:
       
       •
       complaints process
       
       •
       response2
       
       •
       PHSO.
       2ND EMAIL BELOW
       INDEPENDENT COMPLAINTS ASSESSOR
       Department for Transport
       DfT Complaints Team - for the attention of Stephen Shaw
       Great Minster House
       33 Horseferry Road
       London
       SW1P 4DR
       
       (By preference, contact should be made by email to:
       ica.stephen-shaw@dft.gov.uk or by text or voicemail to 07585
       997505.  If using standard post, please also alert the ICA by
       one of the other means.)
       Mr 
       By email to: ---------------------@gmail.com
       16 September 2025
       Dear Mr M
       YOUR COMPLAINT AGAINST THE DRIVER AND VEHICLE LICENSING AGENCY
       (DVLA)
       I write further to my letter of 31 August regarding the
       independent review of your complaint against the DVLA.
       As I explained, I am one of the Independent Complaint Assessors
       (ICAs) contracted to the Department for Transport, and your case
       was allocated for my consideration.
       Complaint
       You complained that, after the DVLA had released your data to a
       private parking company (G24 Ltd), the data was misused.  You
       argue that the DVLA remains responsible for the use of its data
       after its release.
       For its part, the DVLA position is that it does not and cannot
       ‘police’ the activities of private parking companies, beyond
       ensuring that they are members of an Accredited Trade
       Association (ATA) if they are to receive DVLA data.  The Agency
       says your grievance is one for the relevant ATA (in this case
       the International Parking Community - IPC).  In addition, any
       concerns you may have about the DVLA’s handling would be a
       matter for the Information Commissioner’s Office.
        
       Jurisdiction
       
       Before setting out the facts of this case and my views, I should
       first explain the nature of the ICA role.   The Introduction to
       the ICA terms of reference reads as follows:
       
       “The overall aims of the independent complaints assessor (ICA)
       process are to:
       
       •
       the public as customers or in consequence of the actions,
       inactions, or decisions of DfT
       •
       •
       that maladministration has not occurred”
       
       Further paragraphs read:
       
       “Relevant factors for a detailed review are:
       
       •
       injustice, loss or hardship
       •
       it has failed to conduct a proportionate and reasonable
       investigation and has failed to apply an appropriate remedy
       •
       •
       learning from the complaint and of promoting consistency and
       fairness
       “Relevant factors against a detailed review are:
       
       •
       administrative failure or mistake
       •
       •
       reference or review through another avenue, for example tribunal
       or legal proceedings
       •
       dispute
       •
       “Having considered the previous factors, the ICA may decide that
       subjecting the complaint to a detailed review would not meet the
       overall aims of the ICA review process.”
       The protocol to the terms of reference sets out a list of
       exclusions to the ICA remit.  These include:
       •
       policy
       •
       I must emphasise that the ICAs cannot adjudicate on the legality
       of the DVLA’s supply of keeper data to private parking
       companies.  In a parallel case to your own, one of my colleagues
       has written as follows:
       “Nor is the DVLA an actual or proxy regulator for this sector,
       so complaints about the legal footing and procedural basis
       behind a PCN [parking charge notice] need to go down the
       prescribed appeal route, not to the Agency or us.  Complaints
       about unlawful data release, you will understand, are for the
       ICO [Information Commissioner’s Office] that has fully approved
       the DVLA’s practice of releasing keeper data for the
       investigation of potential liability under the reasonable cause
       provision (in other words, the DVLA does not have to satisfy
       itself of the legitimacy of a request before data release).  A
       complaint to the DVLA that a request for data from a private
       parking company was erroneous, meaning that the DVLA should not
       have released the data, does not get off the ground.
       
       “Approaching 41,000 drivers are issued with PCNs by private
       firms each day, underlining the impossibility of the DVLA
       investigating each request individually.  We are precluded from
       commenting on the content and pursuit of policy by the DVLA.  In
       my view, a political move in an area of widespread public
       concern is required to change the current arrangement.”
       Review
       The DVLA records show that you applied to register vehicle CY11
       UKA in October 2024 and a registration certificate (V5C) was
       issued at the end of the month.  In December 2024, G24 Ltd made
       a request for data in relation to an event on 9 December
       involving CY11 UKA.   The request was made under the terms of
       G24 Ltd’s KADOE (Keeper at date of event) contract with the
       DVLA.
       On 7 April 2025, you made a complaint to the DVLA in the
       following terms:
       
       Your supporting statement  included the following:
       
       After listing what you said were breaches of the industry code
       of practice, you added:
       
       You also enclosed correspondence between yourself and G24 Ltd.
       This shows that you had parked in a disabled bay without
       displaying a Blue Badge and that your appeal against the Parking
       Charge Notice had been dismissed by the Independent Appeals
       Service.
       The DVLA replied in largely standard terms at step 1 of its
       complaints procedure on 6 May.  The Agency suggested that you
       might wish to contact the International Parking Community of
       which G24 Ltd is a member.
       In July, you asked for your complaint to be escalated.  You
       emphasised that your concern was not with the initial release of
       your data but with the subsequent use of it by G24 Ltd which you
       described as ‘material breaches’ of the code of conduct that
       rendered its usage of the data as unlawful.  You added that the
       DVLA remained the data controller and must conduct a proper
       investigation to be followed by enforcement action that might
       include suspension or termination of G24 Ltd’s KADOE contract.
       In its further reply on 24 July, the DVLA emphasised that it was
       not the regulator of the parking industry (“The Government’s
       policy is to operate a system of industry self-regulation") and
       therefore it was right to suggest that you took up your concerns
       with the IPC.  In addition, there was no evidence that G24 Ltd
       had breached any statutory provisions or other legal
       requirements of the KADOE contract.  Moreover, G24 Ltd had
       become the data controller from the point that it had received
       data from the DVLA.
       You were also given details of the Information Commissioner’s
       Office (www.ico.org.uk).
       Reiterating that the DVLA had ongoing responsibility for the use
       of data it had released, you then asked for an ICA review.
       While the papers were being prepared, the DVLA wrote once more
       on 28 August.  This letter provided greater detail on the
       Agency’s approach.  Unfortunately, it also wrongly suggested
       that G24 Ltd was a member of a different ATA (the British
       Parking Association) rather than the International Parking
       Community.
       Further information
       Although I know you are very familiar with the legislation, for
       the sake of completeness I should quote from Regulation 27 of
       The Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) Regulations 2002
       (
  HTML https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002/2742/regulation/27)
       as
       follows:
       
       Disclosure of registration and licensing particulars
       27.—(1) The Secretary of State may make any particulars
       contained in the register available for use—
       
       ...
       (e)by any person who can show to the satisfaction of the
       Secretary of State that he has reasonable cause for wanting the
       particulars to be made available to him.
       In June 2022, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
       published an important document entitled The lawful basis for
       the processing of vehicle keeper data by the Driver and Vehicle
       Licensing Agency (DVLA)
       (
  HTML https://ico.org.uk/media2/migrated/4020676/dvla-opinion-20220613.pdf).<br
       /> Again, it may be helpful to quote from the document.  The ICO
       found as follows:
       “Following consideration of the evidence and legal analysis, the
       Commissioner concluded that the DVLA’s correct lawful basis is
       public task, not legal obligation. This is because Regulation
       27(1)(e) provides the DVLA with a power, rather than a legal
       duty, to disclose vehicle keeper information to car park
       management companies in these circumstances ...
       “It is important to note that in coming to this conclusion, the
       Commissioner does not doubt that car park management companies
       have reasonable cause to request keeper information from the
       DVLA in these circumstances, and that the DVLA is generally
       required to provide it.  However, Regulation 27(1)(e) creates a
       power rather than a duty as there is a discretion for the DVLA
       to refuse a request for keeper information in exceptional cases.
       For example, if the keeper was on a national security
       protection list.  This applies even if the requestor has
       demonstrated
       reasonable cause.  Public task is the correct legal basis in
       these circumstances, because Regulation 27(1)(e) creates a task
       (a power, rather than a legal duty) to be carried out in the
       public interest (hence the reasonable cause requirement).
       Disclosing vehicle keeper data is necessary for this task.”
       (Emphasis added.)
       I also note this extract:
       “Paragraph 11 of Schedule 4 of POFA [Protection of Freedoms Act
       2012] contains an enforceable legal right of the car park
       management company to claim the charges from the vehicle keeper.
       It is not for the DVLA to determine the validity of claims
       against the vehicle keeper.  Car park management companies can
       use the exception.  It would be for a court or parking tribunal
       to determine the validity of any claim.  It is the
       Commissioner’s view is that [sic] the DVLA could refuse an
       Article 21(1) objection by the vehicle keeper in these
       circumstances.”  (Emphasis added.)
       As noted above in footnote 2, the Government has recently
       initiated a consultation on its plans for a statutory code of
       practice for private parking.  The Ministerial foreword to the
       consultation document includes the following:
       “The UK private parking industry plays an important role in
       supporting our local economies and high streets.  But we
       continue to hear reports of poor behaviour by parking operators
       that make it difficult for motorists to comply with the terms
       and conditions of parking and leave them open to parking charges
       and escalating costs. These operators tarnish the reputation of
       those in the industry who strive to provide quality parking
       facilities and services.  That’s bad for motorists, industry and
       the economy.  And it’s bad for growth.  There is considerable
       evidence that the public want transparency, and they want to see
       parking operators who engage in poor practices held to account.
       
       “Parliament, as long ago as 2019, decided that there should be a
       government code of practice for private parking, and there is no
       justification for further delay in complying with Parliament’s
       direction.
       
       “This government wants to make swift progress to support and
       protect motorists, without penalising those private operators
       who run their car parks well.  The parking industry’s two trade
       associations recently published a single industry code of
       practice which replaced the two different codes they had.  But
       more needs to be done to raise standards and to hold parking
       operators to account.
       
       “This consultation sets out our proposals for achieving this
       through both a new government code of practice aimed at further
       driving up standards and a new robust compliance framework for
       parking operators that will ensure that motorists have trust in
       the system.  Whilst we consider these proposals the best way to
       raise standards, we remain open minded about what course of
       action to take.”
       Consideration
       Before offering any views, I need to re-emphasise the extent of
       my jurisdiction:
       •
       International Parking Community.  This means that I can offer no
       views on whether the use of your data by G24 Ltd further to its
       release by the DVLA represented, as you allege, a material
       breach of the industry code of practice such that its use was
       unlawful.
       •
       authorised to make legal judgments (for example, on the powers
       of the DVLA to provide keeper data to parking companies or
       others, or whether it ensures sufficient safeguards against
       misuse of such data).  However, it is worth re-emphasising that
       the DVLA is not the regulator of the parking industry.  Whether
       there should be tighter (or statutory) regulation is a matter
       for the political process, and I am sure that you and many
       others will have responded to the Government’s consultation
       exercise which was recently underway.
       That said, it may be helpful if I offer the following comments:
       •
       Commissioner’s assessment of the legal framework is that parking
       companies generally have ‘reasonable cause’ to request
       keepership data and the DVLA is not required to first adjudicate
       upon the accuracy of the allegations made against a vehicle
       keeper before releasing the data requested (“It is not for the
       DVLA to determine the validity of claims against the vehicle
       keeper”).  I accept that you have not challenged this.
       •
       I am content that the DVLA has no legal or administrative duty
       (or, indeed, power) to investigate complaints against private
       parking companies.  The Agency has therefore correctly referred
       you to the International Parking Community.
       •
       carries out regular audits of those requesting data and requires
       parking companies to be a member of an ATA.  The Government’s
       new consultation exercise endorses this position and as an
       administrative complaints assessor I have no authority to
       challenge the Government’s statement – even if I thought that
       such a challenge was justified.  Should you disagree with that
       view, I think you might have to take independent legal advice or
       pursue your case further with the Information Commissioner’s
       Office as the DVLA has suggested.
       •
       expert in data protection legislation.  But my lay view is that
       the DVLA is right to say that G24 Ltd became the data controller
       of the data it had received from the Agency from the point of
       receipt.  If you disagree with this analysis, you might again
       seek legal advice or approach the Information Commissioner.
       •
       content with the terms and tone of the DVLA’s two letters at
       steps 1 and 2 of its complaints procedure.  The contents were
       also in line with longstanding DVLA policy in relation to the
       release of data from the DVLA registers.  However, the step 2
       letter was issued outside the DVLA’s time target, and it is
       disappointing that this was not acknowledged.  In consequence,
       no apology was offered.  As I have also said, the Agency’s
       letter of 28 August also contained a material inaccuracy in
       suggesting that G24 Ltd was a member of the British Parking
       Association.
       •
       imposed by G24 Ltd was unsuccessful.  It is of course for you to
       decide if you will now pay the outstanding debt.
       Conclusions
       As the Government itself has acknowledged, there is widespread
       concern amongst drivers about the practices of some parking
       companies and the effectiveness of the current regulatory
       arrangements.  And given my criticisms in the penultimate bullet
       point above, I will record your complaint as having been upheld
       in part.  However, as far as the substance of the matter is
       concerned, I am afraid I cannot assist you or make any formal
       recommendations to the DVLA.  Like all citizens you have now had
       the opportunity of responding in detail to the new proposals put
       forward by the Government in its consultation exercise that
       continued until 5 September.  You also remain at liberty to
       contact the IPC or the Information Commissioner.
       This letter brings all stages of the Department for Transport
       complaints process to a close.  However, if you remain
       dissatisfied, you also have the right to ask an MP to refer your
       complaint to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.
       (There is a readily downloadable form for this purpose at
       www.ombudsman.gov.uk - please note there is a time limit for
       making a complaint to the Ombudsman; further information is
       available on the PHSO website or call 0345 015 4033.)  The
       Ombudsman would then consider the extent of any further review
       she considered necessary.
       I will also send a copy of this letter to the DVLA.
       Please do accept my good wishes.
       
       Yours sincerely
       
       Stephen Shaw
       Independent Complaints Assessor
       #Post#: 91969--------------------------------------------------
       Re: PCN - Parked in a disabled bay without displaying valid
       Disabled badge Grove Farm Retail Park Chadwell Heath. RM6 4B
   DIR By: b789
       Date: September 29, 2025, 6:57 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       This ICA reply, while courteous, is clearly dismissive and
       largely avoids engaging with your central complaint — that DVLA
       failed to uphold its post-release obligations as a data
       controller under the KADOE contract and UK GDPR, when G24 Ltd
       materially misused that data in breach of the PPSCoP.
       The ICA's position boils down to three points:
       [indent]1. DVLA’s only duty is to confirm ATA membership before
       data release.
       2. Post-release misuse is not their concern — “take it up with
       the IPC”.
       3. ICA can’t challenge policy or make legal determinations, even
       if malpractice exists.[/indent]
       Despite the above, the ICA upheld your complaint in part,
       noting:
       [indent]• The Step 2 reply was late and failed to acknowledge or
       apologise.
       • DVLA's further letter (28 August) wrongly identified the ATA
       (claiming BPA instead of IPC).[/indent]
       Given the limitations of the ICA’s jurisdiction and their
       unwillingness to engage with the substance of your complaint,
       your next steps should be to respond to the ICA and to also
       write to your MP and escalate to the Parliamentary and Health
       Service Ombudsman (PHSO).
       You can respond to Stephen Shaw, the ICA as follows:
       --- Quote ---
       > To: Stephen Shaw, Independent Complaints Assessor
       > Cc: DVLA Complaints Team
       >
       > Subject: Response to ICA Review – Reference 185 (25/26)
       >
       > Date: [Insert today's date]
       >
       > Dear Mr Shaw,
       >
       > Thank you for your letter dated 16 September 2025, responding
       to my complaint against the DVLA (Reference: 185 (25/26)).
       > Regrettably, your response fails to properly address the core
       of my complaint, and I must now formally register my
       dissatisfaction with the ICA’s handling of this matter.
       >
       > 1. Mischaracterisation of the Complaint
       >
       > At no stage did I dispute the lawfulness of DVLA’s initial
       release of keeper data under Regulation 27(1)(e). My complaint
       explicitly stated that reasonable cause existed at the point of
       request. The issue under review was the DVLA’s failure to act
       upon post-access misuse of that data by G24 Ltd, in breach of
       the Private Parking Single Code of Practice (PPSCoP) and the
       KADOE contract.
       >
       > Your decision fails to engage with this, and instead reverts
       to boilerplate reasoning around the DVLA's discretion at the
       point of data release — a point which was never in dispute. This
       constitutes a fundamental misreading of the complaint and
       fatally undermines your review.
       >
       > 2. Omissions and Factual Errors
       >
       > Your response omits, or fails to address, the following:
       > [indent]• The explicit terms of the KADOE contract, which
       confirm that the DVLA remains a joint data controller even after
       release and must take enforcement action if a recipient breaches
       the terms under which access was granted.
       > •The specific PPSCoP breaches by G24 Ltd:
       > [indent]• Annex F1(c): Continuing to pursue a charge after I
       provided evidence of mechanical breakdown.
       > • Section 8.3.1: Misstating the 28-day payment deadline from
       issue date rather than date of service.
       > • Failure to address a formal complaint: Proceeding to debt
       escalation without responding.[/indent]
       > • The DVLA’s obligation to investigate such misuse,
       particularly where the motorist has already exhausted the ATA’s
       appeal process and provides credible evidence of ongoing misuse
       of personal data.[/indent]
       >
       > These are not policy grievances or “commercial disputes” as
       described in your letter. They are complaints about
       maladministration by a government agency in relation to its
       duties under the Data Protection Act 2018, the KADOE contract,
       and the DVLA’s own internal governance procedures.
       >
       > 3. Contradictions and Selective Interpretation
       >
       > You assert that the DVLA "has no legal or administrative duty"
       to investigate post-release misuse of data. This is contradicted
       by:
       > [indent]• The DVLA’s status as a data controller for all data
       supplied under KADOE, including liability for downstream
       processing if it becomes aware of misuse.
       > • The ICO’s 2022 Opinion, which you partially quote but fail
       to interpret accurately. While the DVLA is not required to
       adjudicate individual disputes before data release, it does have
       a continuing responsibility to monitor use of that data for the
       purposes it was released and to take proportionate action when
       misuse is identified.
       > • Paragraph 2.9 of the KADOE contract, which expressly
       prohibits use of DVLA data for purposes other than that for
       which it was provided. Where violations are reported, the DVLA
       must take investigative and remedial steps.[/indent]
       >
       > You further suggest the DVLA cannot “police” the private
       parking industry. That is not the issue. The question is whether
       the DVLA has discharged its obligations in light of clear
       evidence that G24 Ltd violated the conditions under which it
       received my data. That is a matter of public administration, not
       policy.
       >
       > 4. Process Failings
       >
       > Even if you had no authority to comment on the data protection
       or KADOE aspects, your review still fails to meet the minimum
       standards of fair complaint handling:
       > [indent]• You did not accurately summarise my complaint,
       misstating it as a challenge to DVLA’s data release decision.
       > • You failed to acknowledge the evidential material I
       submitted.
       > • You did not assess whether DVLA’s refusal to investigate
       G24’s conduct was a proportionate or reasonable response.
       > • You excused factual errors and delay in DVLA correspondence
       but provided no meaningful redress or recommendation beyond a
       footnote.[/indent]
       >
       > Your conclusions appear pre-determined and excessively
       deferential to DVLA policy rather than properly assessing
       whether maladministration occurred. In doing so, you have not
       fulfilled the aims set out in the ICA’s own Terms of Reference,
       particularly the commitment to “put right any injustice or
       unfairness suffered by members of the public in consequence of
       the actions, inactions, or decisions of DfT.”
       >
       > 5. Next Steps
       >
       > I am therefore escalating this matter further.
       > [indent]• I will ask my MP to refer this complaint to the
       Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, citing both the
       DVLA’s failure to investigate data misuse and the ICA’s failure
       to properly consider the complaint.
       > • I am also lodging a separate complaint with the Information
       Commissioner’s Office, as advised.
       > • A copy of this letter will be retained for public record and
       shared with relevant accountability groups and public interest
       bodies monitoring DVLA data access practices.[/indent]
       >
       > Yours sincerely,
       >
       > [Your Full Name]
       > [Contact Details]
       --- End Quote ---
       Email the following to your MP:
       --- Quote ---
       > Subject: Request for MP Referral to Parliamentary Ombudsman –
       DVLA Data Misuse Oversight
       >
       > Dear [MP’s Name],
       >
       > I am writing to request that you refer a complaint to the
       Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) regarding the
       Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and its failure to
       uphold its responsibilities as a data controller under the KADOE
       contract.
       >
       > This complaint has now completed the full DVLA internal
       complaints process and has also been considered by the
       Independent Complaints Assessor (ICA), who upheld my complaint
       in part but declined to investigate the core issues I raised.
       The ICA confirmed that this now concludes the Department for
       Transport’s complaints process and advised me to approach my MP
       for a referral to the Ombudsman.
       >
       > Summary of complaint
       > I do not dispute that G24 Ltd had reasonable cause to request
       my keeper data initially. My complaint concerns their subsequent
       misuse of that data — a matter for which the DVLA retains shared
       data controller responsibility under the terms of the KADOE
       contract and UK GDPR.
       >
       > G24 Ltd materially breached the Private Parking Single Code of
       Practice (PPSCoP) by:
       > [indent]• Continuing to pursue a parking charge after I
       supplied evidence of a vehicle breakdown, in direct breach of
       PPSCoP Annex F1(c).
       > • Issuing a Notice to Keeper which misstated the payment
       deadline, contrary to PPSCoP Section 8.3.1.
       > • Failing to address a formal complaint, then sharing my
       personal data with third parties, including debt
       collectors.[/indent]
       >
       > These are clear compliance breaches. The DVLA has a duty to
       monitor and act on such breaches once reported. Instead, it gave
       a template response and denied any responsibility for
       post-release misuse, despite remaining the data controller under
       KADOE Schedule 2 and the Data Protection Act 2018.
       >
       > The ICA declined to investigate the substance of these
       concerns, stating that they could not challenge Government
       policy. However, my complaint was about maladministration and
       regulatory failure, not policy. I believe the DVLA has failed in
       its public duty to protect personal data and has shielded G24
       Ltd from accountability.
       >
       > I would be grateful if you would consider referring this
       matter to the PHSO, so it can be independently investigated.
       >
       > I can provide a full timeline of correspondence and a copy of
       the ICA decision upon request.
       >
       > Yours sincerely,
       >
       > [Your Full Name]
       > [Your Postal Address]
       > [Constituency Postcode]
       > [Contact email]
       --- End Quote ---
       #Post#: 91999--------------------------------------------------
       Re: PCN - Parked in a disabled bay without displaying valid
       Disabled badge Grove Farm Retail Park Chadwell Heath. RM6 4B
   DIR By: D23
       Date: September 29, 2025, 8:35 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Hi everyone,
       I’ve now received an official County Court Claim Form from the
       Civil National Business Centre (Northampton) regarding the G24
       parking charge. issued on 12 September 2025. The particulars
       state it relates to parking in a disabled bay without displaying
       a valid badge. The total amount claimed is £264.92 (including
       fees and legal costs).
       The website wouldn't allow me to insert any images or documents
       not sure why but there isnt a button so I have uploaded them to
       google and made the link available to everyone.
       please see attachment
  HTML https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1plvqUbJMNqVFCVOOW6qQQeAKM4nzzYYz?usp=sharing
       #Post#: 92007--------------------------------------------------
       Re: PCN - Parked in a disabled bay without displaying valid
       Disabled badge Grove Farm Retail Park Chadwell Heath. RM6 4B
   DIR By: b789
       Date: September 29, 2025, 9:12 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Please have a look at the back for the actual Claim Form (N1SDT)
       and show us who has signed the Statement of Truth (SoT). It used
       to be Sarah Ensall as 'Head of Legal' on behalf of DCB Legal. If
       it is on the front and you have redacted it, please unredact
       that and confirm who has signed it.
       The front and back of that single document is all we need to
       see.
       #Post#: 92008--------------------------------------------------
       Re: PCN - Parked in a disabled bay without displaying valid
       Disabled badge Grove Farm Retail Park Chadwell Heath. RM6 4B
   DIR By: b789
       Date: September 29, 2025, 9:15 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       With an issue date of 12th September you have until 4pm on
       Wednesday 1st October to submit your defence. If you submit an
       Acknowledgement of Service (AoS) before then, you would then
       have until 4pm on Wednesday 15th October to submit your defence.
       You only need to submit an AoS if you need extra time to prepare
       your defence. If you want to submit an AoS then follow the
       instructions in this linked PDF:
  HTML https://www.dropbox.com/s/xvqu3bask5m0zir/money-claim-online-How-to-Acknowledge.pdf?dl=0
       Until very recently, we never advised using the MCOL to submit a
       defence. However, due to recent systemic failures within the
       CNBC, we feel that it is safer to now submit a short defence
       using MCOL as it is instantly submitted and entered into the
       "system". Whilst it will deny the use of some formatting or
       inclusion of transcripts etc. these can always be included with
       the Witness Statement (WS) later, if it ever progresses that
       far.
       You will need to copy and paste it into the defence text box on
       MCOL. It has been checked to make sure that it will fit into the
       122 lines limit.
       --- Quote ---
       > 1. The Defendant denies the claim in its entirety. The
       Defendant asserts that there is no liability to the Claimant and
       that no debt is owed. The claim is without merit and does not
       adequately disclose any comprehensible cause of action.
       >
       > 2. There is a lack of precise detail in the Particulars of
       Claim (PoC) in respect of the factual and legal allegations made
       against the Defendant such that the PoC do not adequately comply
       with CPR 16.4.
       >
       > 3. The Defendant is unable to plead properly to the PoC
       because:
       >
       > (a) The contract referred to is not detailed or attached to
       the PoC in accordance with PD 16, para 7.3(1);
       >
       > (b) The PoC do not state the exact wording of the clause (or
       clauses) of the terms and conditions of the contract (or
       contracts) which is/are relied on;
       >
       > (c) The PoC do not adequately set out the reason (or reasons)
       why the claimant asserts the defendant has breached the contract
       (or contracts);
       >
       > (d) The PoC do not state with sufficient particularity exactly
       where the breach occurred, the exact time when the breach
       occurred and how long it is alleged that the vehicle was parked
       before the parking charge was allegedly incurred;
       >
       > (e) The PoC do not state precisely how the sum claimed is
       calculated, including the basis for any statutory interest,
       damages, or other charges;
       >
       > (f) The PoC do not state what proportion of the claim is the
       parking charge and what proportion is damages;
       >
       > (g) The PoC do not provide clarity on whether the Defendant is
       sued as the driver or the keeper of the vehicle, as the claimant
       cannot plead alternative causes of action without specificity.
       >
       > 4. The Defendant submits that courts have previously struck
       out materially similar claims of their own initiative for
       failure to adequately comply with CPR 16.4, particularly where
       the Particulars of Claim failed to specify the contractual terms
       relied upon or explain the alleged breach with sufficient
       clarity.
       >
       > 5. In comparable cases involving modest sums, judges have
       found that requiring further case management steps would be
       disproportionate and contrary to the overriding objective.
       Accordingly, strike-out was deemed appropriate. The Defendant
       submits that the same reasoning applies in this case and invites
       the court to adopt a similar approach by striking out the claim
       due to the Claimant’s failure to adequately comply with CPR
       16.4, rather than permitting an amendment. The Defendant
       proposes that the following Order be made:
       >
       > Draft Order:
       >
       > Of the Court's own initiative and upon reading the particulars
       of claim and the defence.
       >
       > AND the court being of the view that the particulars of claim
       do not adequately comply with CPR 16.4(1)(a) because: (a) they
       do not set out the exact wording of the clause (or clauses) of
       the terms and conditions of the contract which is (or are)
       relied on; and (b) they do not adequately set out the reason (or
       reasons) why the claimant asserts that the defendant was in
       breach of contract.
       >
       > AND the claimant could have complied with CPR 16.4(1)(a) had
       it served separate detailed particulars of claim, as it could
       have done pursuant to PD 7C, para 5.2, but chose not to do so.
       >
       > AND upon the Court determining, having regard to the
       overriding objective (CPR 1.1), that it would be
       disproportionate to direct further pleadings or to allot any
       further share of the Court’s resources to this claim (for
       example by ordering further particulars of claim and a further
       defence, with consequent case management).
       >
       > ORDER:
       >
       > 1. The claim is struck out.
       >
       > 2. Permission to either party to apply to set aside, vary or
       stay this order by application on notice, which must be filed at
       this Court not more than 7 days after service of this order,
       failing which no such application may be made.
       --- End Quote ---
       #Post#: 92059--------------------------------------------------
       Re: PCN - Parked in a disabled bay without displaying valid
       Disabled badge Grove Farm Retail Park Chadwell Heath. RM6 4B
   DIR By: D23
       Date: September 29, 2025, 12:58 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
  HTML https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1plvqUbJMNqVFCVOOW6qQQeAKM4nzzYYz
       I’ve now uploaded the missing sheet as well, which shows Sarah
       Ensall.
       The only details I’ve removed from the documents are my name and
       address – everything else is exactly as received.
       This is the first time I’ve had to deal with a County Court
       Claim Form, and I’m not sure where to begin with the process.
       Could anyone guide me on the right steps to take when filling it
       out and responding?
       Thanks in advance for any advice.
       *****************************************************
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