01/10/2012

Wheel Clamping Now Illegal

Wheel-clampers will no longer be allowed to clamp vehicles on private land, in a move which could save British motorists £55m a year.

New legislation in England and Wales, under the Protection of Freedoms Act, has made it an offence to clamp on private land.

The government has also agreed on an independent appeals service funded by the British Parking Association (BPA), which will enable motorists to appeal parking charges issued on private land by a company that is a member of the BPA's approved operator scheme.

Lord Taylor of Holbeach, the Home Office minister responsible for changes to vehicle clamping law, said: "This common-sense ban will give motorists the protection they deserve against rogue wheel-clamping and towing companies."

The law means anyone found clamping, blocking-in or towing vehicles on private land would face criminal proceedings.

Local Transport Minister Norman Baker said: "These new parking arrangements deliver a fairer legal framework for motorists and landowners, while getting rid of the indiscriminate clamping and towing by private companies for good."

But a BPA spokesman said there may still be issues for motorists because of little known by-laws giving landowners the right to decide how they manage parking on their property.

The AA has also expressed concerns that rogue operators may begin issuing bogus parking tickets on private land.

BPA chief executive Patrick Troy said: "An independent appeals service which is not binding on all operators is likely to be a recipe for confusion among motorists and a ban on clamping is no substitute for proper regulation of the industry."

(IT)

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