Break out the champers as off go the clampers!

Published 21 Aug 2010 10:00 0 Comments

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RUTHLESS wheel clampers operating in private car parks will be stopped once and for all under a new ban.

The Royal Borough has backed the Government’s decision to outlaw clamping and vehicles being towed away.

The ban to be introduced in the Government’s Freedom Bill in November, will mean once in place anyone who clamps a vehicle on private land or tows it away will face tough penalties.

The move, described as a ‘major breakthrough’ by the Royal Borough, comes after the council pledged to fight for clamping to be outlawed, following countless reports from bitter residents and visitors, who had fallen foul of the clampers, who imposed exorbitant fines for even minor parking errors.

The council also looked into imposing anti-social behaviour orders in a bid to crack down on local clamping companies.

Cllr Phill Bicknell, lead member for public protection at the council, said: “This announcement will be cheered throughout the country - and particularly by those who have found themselves charged hundreds of pounds to get their car back, often for something as simple as parking slightly over a parking space line or being a few minutes late.

“Cowboy clampers have made hundreds of people’s lives a misery here in the Royal Borough and we are delighted their days are numbered.

“This borough attracts around seven million visitors a year and it is to be regretted some of them leave with a bad impression simply because of the actions of the clampers.”

There are currently 2,150 individuals who are licensed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) to clamp, these will be revoked once the ban comes into effect.

Home Office minister Lynne Featherstone said: “Reports of motorists being marched to cash points or left stranded after their car has been towed are simply unacceptable. A ban on clamping and towing on private land will end this abuse.”

David Blake, from Slough-based Parking Control Management, which operates in Castle Car Park in Windsor, said: “It doesn’t really have a massive impact on us because it’s not the only thing we do.

“I think if they ban it on private land and resort to ticketing it will cause more problems than it will solve.”

This article appeared in Royal Borough Observer 20 Aug 10

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