What happens if I don't respond to a county court claim?
Last updated: June 2025 · 8 min read
If you do not respond to a County Court claim for a parking charge within the deadline, the court will enter a default judgment against you. This means the parking company wins automatically without your side being heard. A CCJ will appear on your credit file for 6 years and can be enforced through bailiffs or other court enforcement methods.
- --You have 14 days to acknowledge the claim, then 14 more days to file a defence
- --A default judgment means you lose without a hearing
- --A CCJ stays on your credit file for 6 years
- --You may be able to set aside a default judgment if you act quickly
Key Takeaways
- Not responding to a court claim is the single worst thing you can do in a parking charge dispute.
- The court will enter a default judgment, meaning the parking company wins by default.
- A CCJ affects mortgage applications, credit cards, and other financial products for 6 years.
- If a default judgment has been entered, you can apply to set it aside if you have a real prospect of success.
- Filing a defence is straightforward and costs nothing on the small claims track.
What Applies to You
If you received the claim form in the last 14 days
You are still within the deadline to acknowledge the claim.
Acknowledge the claim online at MCOL or on the paper form immediately.
UrgentIf 14 days have passed but no judgment has been entered
The parking company may not have requested judgment yet. You may still be able to file a defence.
File your acknowledgment and defence as soon as possible.
UrgentIf a default judgment has already been entered
You have a CCJ against you. This will appear on your credit file.
Apply to set aside the judgment if you have a defence with a real prospect of success.
UrgentWhat Is a Default Judgment?
A default judgment is a court order made in favour of the claimant (the parking company) because the defendant (you) did not respond within the required time. The court does not consider the merits of the case -- the parking company wins automatically. This is why responding to a court claim, even if you think the charge is invalid, is absolutely essential.
How a CCJ Affects You
A County Court Judgment stays on the Register of Judgments for 6 years. It is visible to credit reference agencies and will negatively affect your credit score. This can impact your ability to get a mortgage, credit card, car finance, or even a mobile phone contract. If you pay the judgment in full within 30 days, you can apply to have it removed from the register.
Need help building your defence?
Answer the QuestionnaireHow the Judgment Can Be Enforced
Once a CCJ is obtained, the parking company can use various enforcement methods. These include instructing bailiffs (High Court Enforcement Officers), applying for an attachment of earnings order, or placing a charging order on your property. In practice, most parking charge CCJs are enforced through county court bailiffs or HCEOs. The amounts are relatively small, but enforcement action adds further costs.
Can a Default Judgment Be Set Aside?
Yes. Under CPR Part 13, you can apply to set aside a default judgment if you can show that you have a real prospect of successfully defending the claim, or if there was some other good reason for failing to respond. The application costs 275 pounds, but if successful, the judgment is removed and the case proceeds to a hearing where you can present your defence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a default judgment has been entered?
You can check the Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines at TrustOnline for a small fee. You may also receive a letter from the court or the parking company confirming the judgment.
Can I still defend the case after a default judgment?
You can apply to set aside the default judgment under CPR Part 13. If the court agrees you have a real prospect of success, the judgment is set aside and the case proceeds to a full hearing.
How much does it cost to set aside a judgment?
The court fee to apply to set aside a default judgment is currently 275 pounds. If your application is successful, the case continues and you have the opportunity to file a full defence.
What if I did not receive the claim form?
If the claim form was sent to the wrong address or you genuinely did not receive it, this is a strong ground for setting aside the default judgment. You will need to provide evidence of your address at the time.
How quickly should I act after discovering a default judgment?
As soon as possible. While there is no strict deadline for a set-aside application, the court will consider the speed of your response. Delays of more than a few weeks without good reason may count against you.
Will the CCJ be removed if I pay it?
If you pay within 30 days of the judgment, you can apply to have it removed from the register entirely. If you pay after 30 days, it will be marked as satisfied but will remain on the register for 6 years from the date of the original judgment.
Don't pay until you know your rights
Our defence documents are grounded in the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, the Consumer Rights Act 2015, and the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims. Customers have used these arguments to get charges dropped and claims discontinued.
Start Your DefenceRelated Scenarios
FightMyPCN is a document preparation service, not a law firm. The information on this page is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is different and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. If you are unsure about your position, consider seeking independent legal advice.