In 2003 I incurred a parking fine in a Council-run car park, and although when I returned to the car there was no ticket on it, I received a notice of intended prosecution. I argued that I had known nothing about it, (by letter) but was adjudged guilty. I had a CCJ lodged against me, but subsequently paid the �40 fine. After 5 years, that is in May 2008 I received a threat from a firm of Bailiffs to pay the accumulated fine + costs (over �200), but advised them and the Council that the fine had been paid in 2003. I cannot prove this as I have changed Banks since then, and cannot even remember who I was banking with at that time. They are still demanding payment. Any suggestions?
You may well have paid the fine but, if it got to CCJ, there would have been court costs, etc to be cleared. These have mounted up, with Bailiff's costs to a much higher level. Pay it. When I worked for a Council Legal Dept., someone ignored a similar problem and it mounted up to �19000. They had to sell their house.
request a breakdown of charges from the bailiff firm. You say in your post that they are charging you for the fine but you have already paid that.
It maybe possible to get a reduced total if you are able to pay in full. As others have said get this sorted asap. The council 'should' have a record of your payment.