VARS Drive off notice

[Feijoajam]

We have received a Drive Off notice from VARS, for a petrol station in Bristol on 11th April. The CCTV photo is very indistinct, although its the same model, you can't read the number plate, and they won't provide a better image because of GDPR. We live in Devon, were last in Bristol on 5th April, have never used that petrol station as far as we remember, and were in Exeter for a hospital appointment on 11th. It's definitely not us, but the company maintain we're liable. Anyone had similar experience?

If it is not you, you are not liable. Stand your ground. If they want to take you to court, they will have to produce a better image.

If they're going to pursue you through the civil courts, never mind deal with it as a crime, they'll need more than a fuzzy picture.

Write and tell them it's not you and you were somewhere else. Burden of proof is on them.

If it's possible your car has been cloned report that to the police and tell the fuel co you've done so.