Cowboy clampers to repay drivers
29 January 2010
Independent tribunals will allow drivers to appeal against clamping companies, who may have to pay back excessive fees.
It will also be compulsory for all clamping businesses to have a licence and adhere to a new code of conduct. Companies which dont, could be prosecuted or have their licences revoked.
New clamping laws include:
Fixed clamping fines of £70 inside London and £40 elsewhere
Fixed towing fees of £200 inside London and £105 elsewhere
Drivers have the right to pay by cash, debit or credit card
Clear, visible signs must be displayed in clamping zones
A minimum 30-minute time window between clamping and towing
Drivers have the right to appeal and claim back money spent on excessive fines
Under current law, there is no regulation on private land and car parks its up to the owner how much is charged for parking and clamp removal. Clampers must hold a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence however.
Clamping is currently banned in Scotland. In Northern Ireland, only unlicensed vehicles can be clamped.
Home Office minister Alan Campbell said: The introduction of an independent appeals process will for the first time provide independent recourse for motorists, who feel aggrieved by unfair practices of rogue clamping businesses.
Legislation is expected to be passed this summer, with the new licensing scheme and tribunals to follow in early 2011.
For more information, read how to avoid being clamped and fined.
By Dominic Sacco, senior web journalist
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